RETIRED MIXED martial artist Paddy Holohan has been officially unveiled SeanSinn Féin candidate for the local elections in Tallaght South.
Holohan, who was born in Dublin but grew up in Jobston in Tallaght, competed in the UFC under the nickname ‘The Hooligan’.
He won three and lost two of his five fights in the UFC as part of an overall professional record of 12 wins, one draw and two defeats.
The 30-year-old now looks set to face an altogether different challenge as one of five candidates contesting the seats in the Tallaght wards of South and Central.
"I have always said, this is my home and I would never leave it,” Holohan said.
“I live here with my partner and two young boys and I am invested in our community and want to see it thrive for my family and for everyone around here."
In an announcement posted to Facebook, Councillor Cathal King said: "I couldn't think of a more committed and enthusiastic member of our community to take on this challenge.
"Paddy is a committed Republican and a community activist and has always lended his hand and used his fame in the sporting world to help out local charities, groups and schools over the years.
"When I approached him to run and despite his busy schedule, he didn't hesitate to say yes with his usual infectious enthusiasm."
Honoured to be have been asked to run as Jobstown’s sinn_fein candidate alongside dermotrichardson and louisedunne28 in this May election. I have lived in the Jobstown community all my… https://t.co/n56LiKT4Wv
— Paddy Holohan (@PaddyHolohanMMA) February 14, 2019
A rising star in the world of UFC a few years ago, Holohan was forced to retire in April 2016 after being diagnosed with a rare blood disorder.
He’s now hoping to turn his hand to politics and help improve life for people in his local area.
