First-time general election candidate Catherine Callaghan (FG) has defied all the odds to take the second seat in the Carlow-Kilkenny constituency.

The Co Carlow woman holds the unique distinction of being the first woman ever to be selected on the Fine Gael ticket in the constituency with her strong polling thoroughly justified her selection.

The 49-year-old mother of three is a political newcomer. Her first step into politics came in June this year when she ran in the local elections for a place on Carlow County Council – losing out on a seat by a single vote.

Undeterred, just weeks later she successfully secured her place on the Fine Gael ticket for the general election in Carlow-Kilkenny.

Callaghan is a former member of Defence Forces and served in the Lebanon during her six-years with the Air Corps. She is a farmer and business owner who also works as a special needs assistant.