How it started ...
It is thought that the legendary story of Atlantis - if it wasn't created by Plato - was the result of an eruption that gave rise to the mythical island.
One could equate that legend to the Wicklow-Wexford constituency - rising out of the sea - leaving those observing it unable to decipher its existence.
The three-seat hybrid constituency of north Wexford and south Wicklow had people scratching their heads from the outset.
The fact it contained a county boundary displeased many voters.
Despite this, many will acknowledge cross-pollination between the two counties with those who either live and work on one side of the boundary or the other.
Fine Gael's Brian Brennan, who topped the poll is an example of this.
Mr Brennan ran a hotel in Arklow but lives in Gorey which means he is well known in both areas.
He topped the poll with 10,339 votes.
Sinn Féin's Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin is based on the Wicklow-Wexford border, but many view him as Gorey-based.
He has been a Sinn Féin Councillor since 2014 and exceeded the quota in this election with 10,222 votes.
This, he said, was a sign that people in the constituency wanted change.
Outgoing Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne, the best-known candidate nationally, took the third seat with 9,156 votes.
He was a TD previously for a record nine weeks following a by-election prior to the 2020 election.
He wryly expressed hope that this term would be longer.
Fianna Fáil ran a second candidate with Pat Kennedy in south Wicklow which split the party vote, but Mr Byrne looked set for a seat from the outset.
Ultimately, there were three candidates in a battle for three seats.
The only variation throughout the counts was the order that they polled.
Despite Arklow Independent Pier Leonard’s effort to make inroads, she was excluded following the fifth count.
South Wicklow and Arklow town have never had a TD and remain without one for another term.
Arklow’s loss is Gorey’s gain.
The question regarding the new Wicklow-Wexford constituency is whether it is here to stay or will it, like Atlantis eventually vanish and become legendary?
How it ended ...
