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Live: Full results from the elections in West Cork

June 6th, 2024 1:00 PM

By Southern Star Team

Live: Full results from the elections in West Cork Image
The count centre in Nemo where the Ireland South count is still continuing.

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Election live blog: final seats filled in European elections, counting concluded.

REPORTING: JACKIE KEOGH & MARTIN CLAFFEY IN CLONAKILTY; KIERAN O'MAHONY AT COUNTY HALL

 

HOW THINGS STAND:

Bandon-Kinsale LEA: Alan Coleman (Ind), John Collins (Ind Ire), John Michael Foley (FG), Ann Bambury (SD), Gillian Coughlan (FF) and Marie O'Sullivan have been elected. Read more.
Bantry LEA: Danny Collins (Ind Ire) and Finbarr Harrington (Ind), Caroline Cronin (FG) and Patrick Gerard Murphy (FF) have been elected. Read more.
Skibbereen LEA: Noel O'Donovan (FG) and Joe Carroll (FF), Isobel Towse (SD), Daniel Sexton (Ind Ire) and Deirdre Kelly (FF) have been elected. Read more.

Check back here on a regular basis for the latest from the local and European elections as they happen. Have a story? Email [email protected]

Refresh the page for the latest update.

FRIDAY, JUNE 14th

COUNTING FINALISED - ALL SEATS NOW FILLED

The final seats were filled last night at the Nemo GAA Complex after the 20th count (the distribution of Grace O'Sullivan's votes) resulted in the following results:

Michael McNamara (Ind) +5,329 = 92,871

Kathleen Funchion (SF) +7,562 = 90,070

Mick Wallace (I4C) +10,210= 84,157

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF) +16,602 = 92,502

The top 3 candidates were then deemed elected to the final 3 seats – McNamara, Funchion and Ní Mhurchú.

THURSDAY, JUNE 13th

QUOTA 114,761

6:00pm – NEMO (Ireland South) update:

Count 19

Michael McNamara (Ind) +785. 87,542

Kathleen Funchion (SF) +193. 82,508

Mick Wallace (I4C) +233. 73,947

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF) +3,377. 75,900

Grace O'Sullivan (GP) +756. 69,197

3.50pm – NEMO (Ireland South) update:

MEP Billy Kelleher in West Cork recently.

 

Count 18

Fianna Fáil's Billy Kelleher has been re-elected following count 18, gaining 12,271 votes from the redistribution of John Mullins' votes. His surplus will now be redistributed, with Fianna Fáil hoping the majority go to Cynthia Ní Mhurchú.

Billy Kelleher (FF) +12,271. 120,105

Michael McNamara (Ind) +3,055. 86,757

Kathleen Funchion (SF) +687. 82,315

Mick Wallace (I4C) +1,804. 73,714

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF) +6,325. 72,523

Grace O'Sullivan (GP) +4,518. 68,441

12.30pm – NEMO (Ireland South) update:

Count 17

Distribution of Derek Blighe's votes

Billy Kelleher (FF) +1,783. 107,834

Michael McNamara (Ind) +8,132. 83,702

Kathleen Funchion (SF) +4,931. 81,628

Mick Wallace (I4C) +4,764. 71,910

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF) +837. 66,198.

Grace O'Sullivan (GP) +588. 63,923

John Mullins (FG) +770. 43,601

John Mullins eliminated

11.45am – NEMO (Ireland South) update:

We're all the way up to count 16 in the Ireland South constituency. Fine Gael's Seán Kelly remains the only candidate to exceed the quota so far, with the remaining seats expected to be filled by candidates without reaching the quota.

Count 16

Distribution of Social Democrat Susan Doyle's votes

Billy Kelleher (FF) +2,559. 106,051

Kathleen Funchion (SF) +4,616. 76,697

Michael McNamara (Ind) +1,373. 75,570

Mick Wallace (I4C) +2,509. 67,146

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF) +1,821. 65,361

Grace O'Sullivan (GP) +7,675. 63,335

John Mullins (FG) +1,434. 42,831

Derek Blighe (IF) +883. 38,625

Derek Blighe eliminated.

Count 15

Distribution of  Eddie Punch's votes

Billy Kelleher (FF) +2,660. 103,492

Michael McNamara (Ind) +6,690. 74,197

Kathleen Funchion (SF) +731. 72,081

Mick Wallace (I4C) +2,969. 64,637

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF) +1,760. 63,540

Grace O'Sullivan (GP) +682. 55,660

John Mullins (FG) +1,565. 41,397

Derek Blighe (IF) +2,003. 37,742

Susan Doyle (SD) +454. 29,617

Susan Doyle eliminated.

Count 14

Distribution of Paul Gavan's votes

Billy Kelleher (FF) +1,054. 100,832

Kathleen Funchion (SF) +15,750. 71,350

Michael McNamara (Ind) +851. 67,507.

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF) +521. 61,780

Mick Wallace (I4C) +1,121. 61,668

Grace O'Sullivan (GP) +357. 54,978

John Mullins (FG) +307. 39,832

Derek Blighe (IF) +472. 35,739

Susan Doyle (SD) +574. 29,163

Eddie Punch (II) +380. 26,167

Eddie Punch elimintated

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12th

QUOTA 114,761

 

5.45pm: NEMO (Ireland South) update:

Count 13

Distribution of Niamh Hourigan’s votes

Billy Kelleher (FF) +2,992 99,778

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF) +2,065 61,259

Kathleen Funchion (SF) +1,303 55,600

John Mullins (FG) +1,575 39,525

Susan Doyle (SD) +2,864 28,589

Paul Gavin (SF) +898 25,521

Michael McNamara (Ind) +1,895 66,656

Mick Wallace (I4C) +1,036 60,547

Grace O’Sullivan (GP) +3,331 54,621

Derek Blighe (IF) +432 35,267

Eddie Punch (II) +566 25,787

*Paul Gavan eliminated

 

3pm: NEMO (Ireland South) update:

Count 12

Distribution of Patrick Murphy’s votes

Billy Kelleher (FF) +1,381 96,786

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF) +916 59,194

Kathleen Funchion (SF) +642 54,297

John Mullins (FG) +738 37,950

Susan Doyle (SD) +472 25,725

Paul Gavin (SF) +514 24,623

Michael McNamara (Ind) +2,170 64,761

Mick Wallace (I4C) +1,522 59,511

Grace O’Sullivan (GP) +714 51,290

Derek Blighe (IF) +1,725 34,836

Niamh Hourigan (LP) +319 24,211

Eddie Punch (II) +1,712 25,221

*Niamh Hourigan eliminated

 

1pm: NEMO (Ireland South) update:

Count 11

Distribution of Michael Leahy’s votes

Billy Kelleher (FF) +363 95,405

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF) +365 58,278

Kathleen Funchion (SF) +355 53,655

John Mullins (FG) +228 37,212

Susan Doyle (SD) +115 25,253

Paul Gavin (SF) +303 24,109

Patrick Murphy (Aon) +1,610 17,421

Michael McNamara (Ind) +2,306 62,591

Mick Wallace (I4C) +1,101 57,989

Grace O’Sullivan (GP) +156 50,576

Derek Blighe (IF) +4,225 33,111

Niamh Hourigan (LP) +213 23,892

Eddie Punch (II) +1,272 23,509

*Patrick Murphy eliminated

 

11.15am: NEMO (Ireland South) update:

Count 10

Distribution of Lorna Bogue’s votes

Billy Kelleher (FF) +623 95,042

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF) +446 57,913

Kathleen Funchion (SF) +735 53,300

John Mullins (FG) +241 36,984

Susan Doyle (SD) +2,731 25,138

Paul Gavin (SF) +298, 23,806

Patrick Murphy (Aon) +106 15,811

Michael McNamara (Ind) +533 60,285

Mick Wallace (I4C) +652 56,979

Grace O’Sullivan (GP) +928 50,420

Derek Blighe (IF) +781 28,886

Niamh Hourigan (LP) +691 23,67

Eddie Punch (II) +123 22,237

Michael Leahy (IFP) +116 15,183

*Michael Leahy eliminated 

 

9.45am: NEMO (Ireland South) update:

Count 9

Distribution of Mary Fitzgibbon’s votes

Billy Kelleher (FF) +460 94,419

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF) +323 57,467

Kathleen Funchion (SF) +459 52,565

John Mullins (FG) +144 36,743

Paul Gavin (SF) +266 23,508

Susan Doyle (SD) +297 22,407

Patrick Murphy (Aon) +630 15,705

Lorna Bogue (RG) +547 10,826

Michael McNamara (Ind) +855 59,752

Mick Wallace (I4C) +360 56,327

Grace O’Sullivan (GP) +203 49,492

Derek Blighe (IF) +465 28,105

Niamh Hourigan (LP) +465 22,988

Eddie Punch (II) +211 22,114

Michael Leahy +677 15,067

*Lorna Bogue eliminated

 

TUESDAY June 11th 

10.20pm: NEMO (Ireland South) update:

Count 8

Distribution of McGurk’s votes

Billy Kelleher (FF) + 182 = 93,959

Michael McNamara (IND) + 1,088 = 58,897

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF)  + 364  = 57,144

Mick Wallace (I4C)  + 367 = 55,600

Kathleen Funchion (SF)  + 122  = 52,106

Grace O’Sullivan (GP)  + 150 = 49,289

John Mullins (FG)  + 139 = 36,599

Derek Blighe (IF)  +  888 = 27,640

Paul Gavan (SF)  + 56 = 23,242

Niamh Hourigan (Lab)  + 171 = 22,523

Eddie Punch (II)  + 240 = 21,903

Susan Doyle (SD)  + 118 = 22,110

Patrick Murphy (AON)  + 273 = 15,075

Michael Leahy (IFP) + 1089  = 14,390

Lorna Bogue (IND)  + 239 = 10,279

*Mary Fitzgibbon (IND)  + 534 = 8,328

*will be eliminated and their votes distributed

 

9.20pm:

COUNT 7

Distribution of Prendiville’s votes

Billy Kelleher (FF) + 102 = 93,777

Michael McNamara (IND) + 176 = 57,809

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF)  +239  = 56,780

Mick Wallace (I4C)  + 1,214 = 55,600

Kathleen Funchion (SF)  + 483  = 51,984

Grace O’Sullivan (GP)  + 563 = 49,139

John Mullins (FG)  + 87 = 36,460

Derek Blighe (IF)  +  188 = 26,752

Paul Gavan (SF)  + 291 = 23,186

Niamh Hourigan (Lab)  + 346 = 22,352

Eddie Punch (II)  + 405 = 21,663

Susan Doyle (SD)  + 763 = 21,992

Patrick Murphy (AON)  + 164 = 14,802

Michael Leahy (IFP) + 100  = 13,301

Lorna Bogue (IND)  + 456 = 10,040

*Una McGurk (IND)  + 60 = 6,888

Mary Fitzgibbon (IND)  + 110 = 7,794

*will be eliminated and their votes distributed

 

9pm: Nemo (Ireland South) update:

COUNT 6

Distribution of De Barra’s votes

Billy Kelleher (FF) + 287 = 93,675

Michael McNamara (IND) + 136 = 57,633

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF)  +161  = 56,541

Mick Wallace (I4C)  + 279 = 54,386

Kathleen Funchion (SF)  + 325  = 51,501

Grace O’Sullivan (GP)  + 272 = 48,576

John Mullins (FG)  + 105  = 36,373

Derek Blighe (IF)  +  372 = 26,564

Paul Gavan (SF)  + 106 = 22,895

Niamh Hourigan (Lab)  + 184 = 22,006

Eddie Punch (II)  + 446 = 21,258

Susan Doyle (SD)  + 599 = 21,229

Patrick Murphy (AON)  + 90 = 14,638

Michael Leahy (IFP) + 73  = 13,201

Lorna Bogue (IND)  + 498  = 9,584

Una McGurk (IND)  + 99 = 6,828

Mary Fitzgibbon (IND)  + 412 = 7,684

*Cian Prendiville (PBPS)  + 134 = 6,650

*will be eliminated and their votes distributed

 

 

6.50pm: Nemo (Ireland South) update

COUNT 5

Distribution of Lahive’s votes:

Billy Kelleher (FF) + 98 = 93,388

Michael McNamara (IND) + 199 = 57,497

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF)  +121  = 56,380

Mick Wallace (I4C)  + 406 = 54,107

Kathleen Funchion (SF)  + 221  = 51,176

Grace O’Sullivan (GP)  + 65 = 48,304

John Mullins (FG)  + 113  = 36,268

Derek Blighe (IF)  +  791 = 26,192

Paul Gavan (SF)  + 172 = 22,789

Niamh Hourigan (Lab)  + 113 = 21,822

Eddie Punch (II)  + 132 = 21,212

Susan Doyle (SD)  + 64 = 20,630

Patrick Murphy (AON)  + 131 = 14,548

Michael Leahy (IFP) + 601  = 13,128

Lorna Bogue (IND)  + 59  = 9,086

Una McGurk (IND)  + 101 = 6,729

Mary Fitzgibbon (IND)  + 133 = 7,272

Cian Prendiville (PBPS)  + 134 = 6,516

*Graham De Barra (IND)  + 96 = 4,906

*will be eliminated and their votes distributed

 

 

Enjoying the long wait for results at the count centre in Nemo Rangers GAA club were, from left: Sen Martin Conway, Liam Weir of RTÉ, TD Simon Coveney, Sean Kelly MEP, and Sen Jerry Buttimer.

 

6pm NEMO (Ireland South) update:

COUNT 4 – distribution of eliminated Doyle’s votes:

 

Billy Kelleher (FF) + 206 = 93,290

Michael McNamara (IND) + 144 = 57,298

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF)  +211  = 56,269

Mick Wallace (I4C)  + 273 = 53,701

Kathleen Funchion (SF)  + 200  = 50,955

Grace O’Sullivan (GP)  + 146 = 48,239

John Mullins (FG)  + 204  = 36,155

Derek Blighe (IF)  +  138 = 25,401

Paul Gavan (SF)  + 87 = 22,617

Niamh Hourigan (Lab)  + 143 = 21,709

Eddie Punch (II)  + 62 = 21,080

Susan Doyle (SD)  + 194 = 20,566

Patrick Murphy (AON)  + 33 = 14,417

Michael Leahy (IFP) + 51  = 12,527

Lorna Bogue (IND)  + 111  = 9,027

Una McGurk (IND)  + 44 = 6,628

Mary Fitzgibbon (IND)  + 561 = 7,139

Cian Prendiville (PBPS)  + 42 = 6,382

Graham De Barra (IND)  + 126 = 4,810

*Ross Lahive (IP)  + 62 = 4,636

*will be eliminated and their votes distributed

4.50pm: NEMO update

 

Two counts have taken place today but no candidate has yet to be deemed elected to take the second seat in Ireland South

COUNT3

 Billy Kelleher (FF) + 47 = 93,084

Michael McNamara (IND) + 292 = 57,154

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF)  +69  = 56,048

Mick Wallace (I4C)  + 235 = 53,428

Kathleen Funchion (SF)  + 32  =50,755

Grace O’Sullivan (GP)  + 71 = 48,093

John Mullins (FG)  + 37  = 35,951

Derek Blighe (IF)  +  135 = 25,263

Paul Gavan (SF)  + 18 = 22,530

Niamh Hourigan (Lab)  + 20 = 21,566

Eddie Punch (II)  + 98 = 21,018

Susan Doyle (SD)  + 28 = 20,372

Patrick Murphy (AON)  + 185 = 14,384

Michael Leahy (IFP) + 156  = 12,476

Lorna Bogue (IND)  + 72  = 8,916

Una McGurk (IND)  + 115 = 6,584

Mary Fitzgibbon (IND)  + 199 = 6,578

Cian Prendiville (PBPS)  + 66 = 6,340

Graham De Barra (IND)  + 77 = 4,684

Ross Lahive (IP)  + 82 = 4,574

Christopher VS Doyle (IND) + 38 = 3,592

 

Christopher VS Doyle eliminated

 

 

 

COUNT NO2

 

Distribution of Kelly’s surplus 8,016

 

Billy Kelleher (FF) + 1,963 = 93,037

Michael McNamara (IND) + 523 = 56,862

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF)  + 770 = 55,979

Mick Wallace (I4C)  +390 = 53,193

Kathleen Funchion (SF) + 143 =50,723

Grace O’Sullivan (GP)  + 361 = 48,022

John Mullins (FG)  +2,633 = 35,914

Derek Blighe (IF) + 57 = 25,128

Paul Gavan (SF)  + 120 = 22,512

Niamh Hourigan (Lab)  + 274 =21,546

Eddie Punch (II)  + 169 = 20,920

Susan Doyle (SD)  + 115 = 20,344

Patrick Murphy (AON)  +75 = 14,199

Michael Leahy (IFP)  + 61 = 12,320

Lorna Bogue (IND) + 56 = 8,844

Una McGurk (IND)  + 82 = 6,469

Mary Fitzgibbon (IND)  + 98 = 6,379

Cian Prendiville (PBPS)  + 31 = 6,274

Graham De Barra (IND) + 32 = 4,607

Ross Lahive (IP) + 31 = 4,492

Christopher VS Doyle (IND)  + 24 = 3,554

 

Ciaran O’Riordan eliminated

 

 

 

10:15am NEMO

Counting has resumed in Cork in the search for Ireland South's four other MEPs. That first mammoth count is below. Still a long way to go for many candidates to reach the magic 114,761 vote quota, but FF's Billy Kelleher will likely take the second seat.

Seán Kelly's surplus is currently being distributed. We'll have a second count later today.

 

MONDAY, JUNE 10th

9.30pm Sean Kelly takes the first seat in Ireland South

FG’s Sean Kelly is the first candidate in Ireland South to be elected after his 122,777 votes surpassed the quota of 114,761. His surplus will now be distributed.Counting will resume in Nemo Rangers GAA complex tomorrow morning #EU24 #Irelandsouth #seankelly

10am SKIBBEREEN

Good morning from West Cork – while the local elections have been decided, we still have European seats to fill! We'll be checking in with updates on the race for seats in Ireland South.

The European election count will go on until at least midweek, according to MEP Grace O'Sullivan (GP) who is hoping to retain her seat.

O'Sullivan spoke to Star reporter Kieran O'Mahony yesterday about how the count will work and what she thinks will happen.

SUNDAY, JUNE 9TH

11:10pm CLONAKILTY

That's everything from us for today, folks. Thanks to everyone for tuning in over the past three days.

This blog was run by a small team of dedicated local journalists, bringing you results and reaction from the local elections. Support trusted, local journalism in West Cork by buying a copy of The Southern Star this Thursday (full of election reaction) or by subscribing online.

To recap:

The five candidates elected in the Skibbereen-West Cork local electoral area.

The four candidates elected in the Bantry-West Cork local electoral area.

The six candidates elected in the Bandon-Kinsale local electoral area.

11:00pm CLONAKILTY

Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins reacts to his party's performance in the local elections, after securing a seat in all three areas in the West Cork municipal district.

'There is a disconnect between Dáil Eireann and the people and the local authority and the people,' Collins said. 'I'm not saying we're going to bridge every gap but Independent Ireland has proven itself – that we're able to sell, in West Cork, three massive candidates that crossed the line tremendously tonight.

'We're now going to challenge the old parties and to try and make some difference.'

10:50pm CLONAKILTY

Reaction from Independent Ireland's Daniel Sexton following his election to the Skibbereen LEA after the tenth count.

'I'm absolutely blown away,' Sexton said. 'I didn't expect it – first-time candidate, not out in the public realm a lot – totally blown away.'

10:40pm CLONAKILTY

Reaction from Fianna Fáil's Deirdre Kelly after her election to the Skibbereen LEA: 'I made it a little bit hard for myself, but I'm glad to be there!'

Newly-elected Social Democrat Isobel Towse, right, celebrates with party leader Holly Cairns.

 

10:35pm CLONAKILTY

Here's the final count from the Skibbereen LEA:

 

There were huge celebrations for both Independent Ireland candidate Daniel Sexton and Fianna Fáil's Deirdre Kelly upon the announcement of their elections.

10:23pm CLONAKILTY

Social Democrats' Isobel Towse reacts to her election following count 10 and a long wait.

'It feels great,' Towse said. 'The campaign was so, so positive and the result today reflects that.'

10.10pm CLONAKILTY

Skibbereen: The final three seats are filled in count 10 as Social Democrat Isobel Towse, Independent Ireland's Daniel Sexton, and Fianna Fáil's Deirdre Kelly are all elected.

Towse reached the quota through Joe Carroll's transfers and Kelly and Sexton were elected without reaching the quota.

That's the last of the West Cork seats now filled!

9:40pm CLONAKILTY

Reaction here from three candidates who are delighted to be taking up seats after the election.

FG's Carolin Cronin: 'I have such an amazing team – my family, my friends, my neighbours, everyone came out to support me.'

FG's Marie O'Sullivan: 'I'm very, very happy and I'm delighted with the confidence that the people in the area have vote for me to continue working with them.'

FF's Gillian Coughlan: 'Transfers can be very important and those transfers came to me.'

9:23pm CLONAKILTY

Skibbereen: Joe Carroll (FF) is elected after the ninth count, with the distribution of Brendan McCarthy's votes pushing him past the quota. Carroll received by far the biggest distribution of McCarthy's 1,772 votes, with 721 votes going to him.

It is still tight for the three remaining seats – full count to follow.

9:20pm CLONAKILTY

A double win for FF's Patrick Gerard Murphy, whose campaign was complicated in recent weeks when his brother underwent a serious heart operation.

Fast forward to today: Murphy was elected and his brother is doing well in Bantry General Hospital.

9:15pm CLONAKILTY

Bantry: 'Thank God the people trusted me to come back again for another five years,' said Patrick Gerard Murphy, reflecting on his re-election.

Cllr Murphy has been a sitting member of Cork County Council since 2008.

9:04pm CLONAKILTY

It's past 9pm and the count centre is thinning out, as the Bantry and Bandon-Kinsale counts have ended, with all eyes now on Skibbereen. And if the politics isn't enough to keep the youngest interesting, there's always a game of ball...

8:43pm CLONAKILTY

Bandon-Kinsale: The final two seats in Bandon-Kinsale are filled as Fine Gael's Marie O'Sullivan and Fianna Fáil's Gillian Coughlan are elected after count eight.

Fianna Fáil's Gillian Coughlan celebrates her election to the Bandon-Kinsale LEA.

 

Coughlan was elected with a surplus of 106 while O'Sullivan takes the last seat without reaching the quota, as Fianna Fáil's Sean O'Donovan misses out.

Fine Gael's Marie O'Sullivan celebrates being elected to the Bandon-Kinsale LEA.

 

The final count is as follows:

 

8:30pm CLONAKILTY

Bantry: Here is the final count for the Bantry-West Cork LEA.

8.13pm CLONAKILTY

Bantry: Fine Gael's Caroline Cronin and Fianna Fáil's Patrick Gerard Murphy are elected on count eight.

Caroline Cronin (FG) and Patrick Gerard Murphy (FF) celebrate together after being elected in the Bantry LEA.

 

Cronin is elected with an 18-vote surplus, while Murphy was on 2,185 votes to Helen O'Sullivan's 1,995, so Murphy is elected without reaching the quota. Cronin and Murphy celebrate together, while the strains of 'Sweet Caroline' ring around the hall in Clonakilty!

8:10pm – CLONAKILTY

Bantry: Independent candidate Helen O'Sullivan is in a close battle for the fourth seat in this LEA. She sits on 1,962 votes ahead of the eighth count, with the quota being 2,460.

'It's not a bad achievement for the first time out,' O'Sullivan told Star reporter Jackie Keogh as she awaits her fate.

7:53pm CLONAKILTY 

Skibbereen: The race is over for Fine Gael's Brendan McCarthy, as he bows out after the eighth count. He is hugged by supporters and running mate Noel O'Donovan after being eliminated on 1,772 votes. McCarthy's votes will now be redistributed.

7:46pm CLONAKILTY

Clonakilty: The final results are in for the town's mayoral race. Five mayors have been elected and each will serve one year, in the order they were elected. Eileen Sheppard was first home, followed by Conan O’Donovan, Yousuf Janab Ali, James White and Anthony McDermott.

7:45pm CLONAKILTY

Reaction here from newly-elected Ann Bambury (SD) and Finbarr Harrington (Ind).

Bambury told Star deputy editor Martin Claffey that she is 'extremely proud' of herself after being elected.

Finbarr Harrington famously lost out to Holly Cairns by just one vote in 2019. This time around it was a lot more comfortable for him.

'What we have achieved is just massive,' Harrington said, speaking to Star reporter Jackie Keogh.

7:15pm NEMO

The European election count will go on until at least midweek, according to MEP Grace O'Sullivan (GP) who is hoping to retain her seat.

O'Sullivan spoke to Star reporter Kieran O'Mahony about how the count will work and what she thinks will happen.

7:04pm CLONAKILTY

Bandon-Kinsale: A roar goes up in the count centre in Clonakilty as after the seventh count, Social Democrat Ann Bambury reaches the quota and is elected. Bambury picked up 17 votes from the surplus of John Michael Foley, taking her to 2,387.

 

 

Ann Bambury celebrates after her election for the Bandon-Kinsale area.

 

6:25pm CLONAKILTY

We are flying it now!

Skibbereen: The race for council from the Skibbereen-West Cork LEA gets more intriguing with each count. After the seventh count, Joe Carroll is on 2,133 votes, with Isobel Towse making up ground and on 2,017 votes. There's then very little to divide the remaining candidates. Outgoing Independent Councillor Declan Hurley's race is run though, as he bows out on 1,394 votes.

 

6:21pm CLONAKILTY

Bantry: Finbarr Harrington gets across the line and is elected! In the seventh count, Harrington received 410 votes from Danny Crowley's distribution and it pushes him to 2,668 votes, past the 2,460 threshold.

 

Fine Gael's Caroline Cronin is on 2,438 votes while Patrick Gerard Murphy now jumps ahead of Helen O'Sullivan to 2,050 votes with O'Sullivan on 1,962. Finbarr Harrington's 208 vote surplus now to be distributed.

There were tears of joy for Harrington and family after an emotional day.

6:20pm NEMO

Counting at Nemo Rangers GAA club.

 

We're also reporting on the European election count from Nemo Rangers GAA club in Cork.

Hearing that it will be very unlikely that a first count will be done by tonight with over 700,000 votes to go through.

6:15pm CLONAKILTY

Family affair: John Michael Foley celebrates his election with his family in the Clonakilty Count Centre.

Fine Gael’s John Michael Foley from Timoleague, who was elected to the constituency of Bandon-Kinsale LEA for the very first time pictured with his wife Denise and their children at the count centre in Clonakilty. (Photo: Martin Walsh)

 

6:01pm CLONAKILTY 

Bandon-Kinsale: Another seat filled! Fine Gael's John Michael Foley is elected after the sixth count in Clonakilty.

Fine Gael's John Michael Foley (centre) celebrating his election with his father and uncle this evening.

 

He took the biggest share from the distribution of party colleague Gerard Seaman's votes, with 273 votes bringing him to 2,527, pushing him past the magic 2,379 quota.

5:45pm COUNTY HALL

County Hall is a lot quieter now with just Cobh and Midleton awaiting results, after both Carrigaline and Macroom counts finished.

The calm after the storm in County Hall!

 

5:30pm COUNTY HALL

Macroom: All six seats have now been filled following the seventh and final count.

Fine Gael's Ted Lucey and Independent Martin Coughlan have been elected.

Macroom LEA will consist of three Fine Gael councillors (Creed, Lucey, Lynch), two Fianna Fáil councillors (Moynihan, Looney) and one Independent councillor, Martin Coughlan.

5:15pm CLONAKILTY

Supplies are dwindling here at the Star tuc shop, but we're in it for the long haul today and looking forward to the rest of the counts!

There are still 11 seats to fill here in Clonakilty, strap in folks.

 

5:02pm CLONAKILTY

Bandon-Kinsale: The distribution of Brendan Piper's 663 votes gives a welcome boost to Social Democat Ann Bambury, adding 112 votes to leave her on 2,247 votes. Fine Gael's John Michael Foley picked up 20 votes to sit on 2,254 votes. The quota is 2,379. Fine Gael's Gerard Seaman is now eliminated and his 1,034 votes will be redistributed.

Will it be enough to push party colleague John Michael Foley over the line?

 

5:00pm COUNTY HALL

Carrigaline final result: 

Sinn Féin's Eoghan Fahy has reached the quota and fills the final seat in the Carrigaline LEA.

Carrigaline will consist of two Fianna Fáil councillors (Buckley, McGrath), two Fine Gael councillors (McCarthy, White), one Sinn Féin councillor (Fahy) and one independent councillor (Dalton-O'Sullivan).

 

4:47pm CLONAKILTY

Skibbereen: The sixth count in the Skibbereen West Cork area sees the distribution of Barry O'Mahony's 771 votes but no candidate pushes to the magic 2,531 mark. Fianna Fáil's Joe Carroll only picked up 26 votes and stands on 2,089 votes, with Social Democrats' Isobel Towse next closest on 1,858 votes, Independent Ireland's Daniel Sexton on 1,624 votes and Fine Gael's Brendan McCarthy next best on 1,619. Independent Humphrey Deegan's 1,068 votes will now be distributed.

 

4:35pm CLONAKILTY 

Bantry: The sixth count fails to see anyone elected but Fine Gael's Caroline Cronin moves to 2,288 votes while Independent Finbarr Harrington moves to 2,258 votes, both nearing the quota of 2,460. Independent Helen O'Sullivan now pushes to 1,768 votes, with Fianna Fáil's Patrick Gerard Murphy on 1,574 votes but with the 1,411 votes of his eliminated party colleague Danny Crowley now to be counted.

It's down to the wire!

 

4.30pm COUNTY HALL

Carrigaline: Fine Gael's Una McCarthy (Fine Gael) has been elected on the seventh count.

4:15pm CLONAKILTY

It's been a busy two days in Clonakilty – candidates have been well-supported by friends and family.

Noel O’Donovan (FG) and his girlfriend Natasha Burke from Bantry.

 

Cllr Danny Collins (Ind Ire) and his partner Noreen Coakley.

 

SD candidate Chris Heinhold at the count in Clonakilty with partner Emer and baby Maisie.

 

Cllr Caroline Cronin and her husband Sean O’Driscoll at the count in Clonakilty.

 

Fiona and Finbarr Harrington.

 

More updates to follow as counting continues!

3:45pm CLONAKILTY

Bandon-Kinsale: After the fourth count, Fine Gael's John Michael Foley adds 11 more votes to reach 2,234 votes, edging ever closer to the quota of 2,379 votes. Independent Brendan Piper will now be eliminated and his 663 votes will be redistributed, along with a one-vote surplus from already-elected John Collins.

 

3:26pm CLONAKILTY

Skibbereen: No candidate elected following the fifth count, the distribution of Sinn Féin's Dónnchadh Ó Seaghda's 640 votes but Social Democrat Isobel Towse gets a lift with a sizeable 142 votes coming her way. Fianna Fáil's Joe Carroll remains best placed to follow Noel O'Donovan home, standing on 2,063 votes, with the quota 2,531.

 

It's shaping up interestingly with Isobel Towse on 1,701, Fine Gael's Brendan McCarthy on 1,593, Independent Ireland's Daniel Sexton on 1,470, Fianna Fáil's Deirdre Kelly on 1,448 and party colleague Pádraig O'Reilly on 1,255. Independent Declan Hurley is on 1,200, with Humphrey Deegan on 949 votes. Independent Barry O'Mahony's 771 votes will now be redistributed.

3:25pm COUNTY HALL

Macroom: No further candidates have been elected following the sixth count.

3.11pm CLONAKILTY

Bantry: Social Democrats Cllr Chris Heinhold was eliminated after count five, but was 'really happy' with his vote overall.

Heinhold's attention now turns to Bandon-Kinsale and Skibbereen, where both SD candidates Ann Bambury and Isobel Towse have a chance at being elected.

Chris Heinhold supporting the Social Democrats' two female candidates in West Cork, Ann Bambury and Isobel Towse.

 

3.04pm CLONAKILTY

Clonakilty: Eileen Sheppard will be the next mayor of Clonakilty as she received the highest first preference in the town's mayoral race. Five candidates will be elected who will each serve one year in the voluntary role, in the order they are returned.

Eileen Sheppard with Conan O'Donovan. Photo via Facebook

 

Eileen was first home with Conan O'Donovan also exceeding the quota. The count continues in Clonakilty.

2:45pm COUNTY HALL

Carrigaline: No candidate has been elected on the sixth count. Richard Terry (SD) has been elimintated.

 

2:40pm CLONAKILTY

Bandon-Kinsale: After the third count, the redistribution of Deborah O'Driscoll and Stephen Spillane's combined 421 votes fails to get anybody to the quota of 2,379 votes. Sinn Féin's Clare O'Callaghan will now be eliminated and her 478 votes distributed. Fine Gael's John Michael Foley is closest to the line, on 2,223 votes.

2:38pm CLONAKILTY

Noel O'Donovan is 'humbled' by the support he got after filling the first seat in the Skibbereen LEA. Video: Martin Claffey.

2:22pm CLONAKILTY

Bantry: No remaining candidate reaches the quota after fifth count, which saw the distribution of Danny Collins' surplus. Social Democrats Cllr Chris Heinhold will now be eliminated and his 1,288 votes distributed among the remaining candidates.

 

Skibbereen: Here is the official fourth count, as Noel O'Donovan was elected. Sinn Féin's Dónnacha Ó Seaghda will be eliminated and his 640 votes will be redistributed.

 

2:15pm COUNTY HALL

Macroom: FG's Eileen Lynch has been elected on the fifth count. John O’Sullivan (SF) has been eliminated.

 

1:59pm CLONAKILTY

We have a result!

Skibbereen: Fine Gael's Noel O'Donovan is elected on the fourth count, after reaching 2,539 votes following the distribution of Karen Coakley's votes. He was awaiting just 14 votes to reach the quota of 2,531.

1:50pm CLONAKILTY

Bantry: There's a lot of number crunching going on now in the hall in Clonakilty in such a tight contest. With Danny Collins elected, Fine Gael's Caroline Crowley (2,042) and Independent Finbarr Harrington (2,048) look well placed to take two of the remaining three seats. The quota is 2,460. It's so tight after that though between Independent Helen O'Sullivan (1,499), FF's Patrick Gerard Murphy (1,463), and Danny Crowley (1,317), with Social Democrat Chris Heinhold on 1,285.

Get ready for a long night!

1:40pm COUNTY HALL

Carrigaline: No candidate reached the quota on the fifth count. John O’Regan (Lab) will be eliminated.

 

1.30pm CLONAKILTY

Bantry: Cllr Caroline Cronin of Fine Gael jumps to 2,042 votes after fourth count, closing on the quota of 2,460, while 80 votes bring Independent Finbarr Harrington to 2,048 votes. All to play for all the remaining candidates though. Already elected Danny Collins' surplus of 55 votes will now be distributed.

 

12.55pm CLONAKILTY

Skibbereen: Fine Gael's Noel O'Donovan is just 14 votes short of the quota after the third count, which saw the distribution of Labour's Evie Nevin's 483 votes. O'Donovan stands on 2,517 votes, with the quota 2,531. Non-party Karen Coakley will now be eliminated and her 595 votes will be distributed.

 

1:06pm CLONAKILTY

Skibbereen LEA: A moment of levity here in Clonakilty as Noel O'Donovan is 14 votes away from the quota after the second count – much to the disappointment of waiting photographers!

Celebrations will have to wait. Full count to follow.

12.45pm COUNTY HALL

Fianna Fáil's Audrey Buckley has been elected in Carrigaline following the fourth count, following Jack White (FG), Ben Dalton-O'Sullivan (Ind) and Seamus McGrath (FG). Two seats remain with Eoghan Fahy (SF) and Úna McCarthy (FG) both looking comfortable as it stands.

12.38pm CLONAKILTY

The second count is in for Bandon-Kinsale, with no candidate reaching the required 2,379 votes at this time.

The second count consisted of the distribution of Independent Alan Coleman's 132 votes. Stephen Spillane (GP) and Deborah O'Driscoll  (The Irish People) have been eliminated and their votes, 274 and 147 respectively, will now be redistributed.

Reminder that there are four of six remaining seats available, following the election of Alan Coleman and John Collins (Ind Ire) late last night.

How things stand in Bandon-Kinsale after the second count.

 

12:30pm CLONAKILTY

Fine Gael candidate John Michael Foley is sitting on 2,194 votes in Bandon-Kinsale, 185 off the quota. He spoke to Star reporter Jackie Keogh about an 'overwhelming' result so far.

12.10pm CLONAKILTY

'I'm a bit emotional to be quite honest' – reaction from Cllr Danny Collins following his re-election today.

12:06pm CLONAKILTY

The Collins family will be celebrating tonight after both John (last night) and Danny were elected to Cork County Council.

 

11.50:am COUNTY HALL

No candidate has been elected in Carrigaline after the third count.

 

11.40am CLONAKILTY

Bantry's third count saw Cllr Danny Collins (Ind IE) elected having received 84 votes as part of the distribution of the 304 votes of Aontú candidate Patrick Murphy.

Danny Collins elected after the 3rd count, celebrates with his brothers John, left, and Michael at Clonakilty Count Centre this morning. (Photo: Andy Gibson)

 

The poll-topper's brothers Michael, the leader of the Independent Ireland party was there, on his left flank, and his newly elected other brother, John, was on his right. Noreen Coakley, Danny's partner, also joined in the celebrations. Now it is on to the distribution of the lowest candidates and the distribution of their votes. They are Mary Lou Maguire Leahy (FG) with 586 votes and Liz Coakley Wakefield (GP) with 318 votes.

 

 

11.15am CLONAKILTY

The second count in the Skibbereen electoral area – the distribution of the 187 votes of Aontú candidate, Lorraine Deane, and the 187 votes of Green Party candidate Rory Jackson – hasn't been enough to bring Noel O'Donovan (FG) or Joe Carroll (FF) to the quota. Count three has just begun. It involves the distribution of the 483 votes of Labour's Evie Nevin.

11:15am COUNTY HALL

Macroom: No candidate has been elected following the third count in the Macroom electoral area. FG's Eileen Lynch and Ted Lucey look set to take two of the three remaining seats, depending on transfers – leaving a shootout for the final seat between Martin Coughlan (Ind) on 1,624 votes and Dermot Kelleher (Ind Ire) on 1,556 votes.

 

10:45am CLONAKILTY

The second count in the Bantry electoral area is just in. It consisted of the distribution of the votes of the Sinn Féin candidate Colum O'Calaghan's 258 votes. The distribution did not help any of the other candidates to reach the 2,460 quota, so now – in count three – we will have to see where the distribution of the 304 votes of Patrick Murphy of Aontú' will land. It could give Cllr Danny Collins (Ind IE) the 29 votes he needs to cross the line.

 

9:45am CLONAKILTY

Good morning from West Cork, where we are gearing up for day two of the counts in the local elections!

The late arrival of ballot boxes in to Clonakilty yesterday meant that first counts for West Cork local electoral areas weren’t announced until late last night. Here is where things stand ahead of the start of counting at 10am.

Bandon-Kinsale

The first count in the Bandon-Kinsale electoral area saw Alan Coleman (Ind) take the poll-topping position for the third time with 2,511 votes. First time candidate John Collins (Ind Ire) was also elected with 2,380 votes – one more than the quota of 2,379.

 

'I am delighted,' Coleman told The Southern Star ahead of the confirmation of his election. 'Myself and the team did feel that the mood was good in the canvassing that we did, but you never know until the boxes are opened so it was very gratifying to see the good result.'

And the moment that election was announced late last night:

Bantry-West Cork

Poll-topper Danny Collins (Ind IE) is waiting for the transfer of Sinn Féin candidate Colum O'Callaghan's 258 votes to make up the 74 votes he needs to reach the quota of 2,460, having achieved a first preference vote of 2,386.

 

Skibbereen

No candidate was elected in this LEA yesterday after the first count. But this morning will see the distribution of the votes of Lorraine Deane (Aon) and Rory Jackson (GP). Depending on transfers, we could be in for another late night of counting in Clonakilty!

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 8TH

3am CLONAKILTY

The first count in the Bandon-Kinsale electoral area saw Alan Coleman (Ind) take the poll-topping position for the third time, and first time candidate John Collins (Ind IE) was also elected - both having reached the quota.

 

2.45am CLONAKILTY

The first count in the Skibbereen electoral area is just in... No candidate has been elected. But tomorrow will see the distribution of the votes of Lorraine Deane (Aon) and Rory Jackson (GP).

 

 

2.21am: CLONAKILTY

It's 2.22am in #clonakilty and we have only had one count finalised yet - for #Bantry - still awaiting news of first count results for #Skibbereen and #Bandon #Kinsale areas. A small but determined crowd hangs in ...!

The small crowd still hanging in at Clonakilty count centre at 2.21am.

1.47am: COUNTY HALL

Fine Gael’s Jack White takes the third seat in the Carrigaline area after the second count. The count has been adjourned and will resume at 10am.

1.45am: COUNTY HALL

Fianna Fáil’s Michael Looney takes the third seat in the second count in the Macroom electoral area. The count has been adjourned and will resume at 10am.

1.37am CLONAKILTY:

Poll-topper Danny Collins (Ind IE) will have to wait until tomorrow morning and the transfer of Sinn Féin candidate Colum O'Callaghan's 258 votes to make up the 74 votes he needs to reach the quota of 2,460, having achieved a first preference vote of 2,386.

 

1:11am: CLONAKILTY

Candidates for Bantry electoral area have been called to the stage to check through spoiled votes so a first count seems imminent ... but who knows?!

12:10am CLONAKILTY

Past midnight here in Clon but some ballots are still being counted as we await the first result...

11:59pm COUNTY HALL

Macroom: First two seats taken by poll topper FF Gobnait Moynihan who received 2,794 first pref votes, followed by FG’s Michael Creed on 2,593 first pref votes: Quota was 2,542.

'Absolutely great' – Moynihan reacted to her election with Kieran O'Mahony.

11:40pm COUNTY HALL

Carrigaline: Seamus McGrath (FF) and Ben Dalton O’Sullivan (Ind) have taken the first two seats in Carrigaline at the count in County Hall, McGrath received an impressive 5,191 first pref votes, with the quota 2,057 votes.

Seamus McGrath: Fianna Fáil's Seamus McGrath topped the poll in Carrigaline with 5,191 first preference votes, the highest in the country. He told The Southern Star he was 'shocked' and delighted with the result. Video: Kieran O'Mahony.

Ben Dalton O'Sullivan: Independent candidate Ben Dalton O'Sullivan secured the second seat in Carrigaline with 2,315 first preference votes, after running a no-poster campaign. Video: Kieran O'Mahony

11:15pm CLONAKILTY

'It's just brilliant'

Independent candidate Finbarr Harrington looks set to take the second from top spot in Bantry, with approximately 15% of tallies going to him.

 

Make sure to tune back in tomorrow as we'll be bringing you an interview with SD candidate Chris Heinhold, pictured below at the count in Clonakilty with partner Emer and baby Maisie.

SD candidate Chris Heinhold at the count in Clonakilty with partner Emer and baby Maisie.

 

10:26pm CLONAKILTY

Skibbereen-West Cork LEA

Don’t believe everything you read… but take a look at the last two lines below. It’s a tally sheet but it looks like a throwback to 2019 when Independent candidate Finbarr Harrington was one vote ahead of the Social Democrat Holly Cairns. If Daniel Sexton for the Independent Ireland party and Isobel Towse for the Social Democrats are that close, could we be looking at a recount in County Hall?

 

10:13pm COUNTY HALL

Candidates for Macroom checking the spoilt votes now in County Hall. Carrigaline candidates have already checked theirs.

10:00pm CLONAKILTY

Noel O'Donovan of Fine Gael is the likely poll-topper in Skibbereen, projected to get 2,400 first preference votes – the quota will be around 2,500.

 

 

The new tally system for this year has been a success, according to the director of elections for Cork South West for Fine Gael, John Collins.

9:05pm CLONAKILTY

Noel O'Donovan looks set to be elected and to top the poll in Skibbereen.

Sheila O’Regan, Mick O’Sullivan and Mary Jo O’Gorman - Rosscarbery with Noel O’Donovan (centre right) who is set to top the poll in Skibbereen for Fine Gael.

 

8:58pm CLONAKILTY

'It's an outstanding success to start with' – Independent Ireland party leader Michael Collins is happy with their performance in the election. Both brothers John and Danny Collins are set to be elected.

8:52pm CLONAKILTY

More good news for Independent Ireland and in particular the Collins family, as John Collins – brother of Michael and Danny – looks set to be elected. Collins is currently tallying at about 15% first-preference votes.

8:43pm CLONAKILTY 

Cllr Danny Collins (Ind Ire) looks set to top the poll in Bantry-West Cork once again.

'It's looking good at the moment,' Cllr Collins told The Southern Star. 'They're saying between 19 and 20 percent of the vote so let's hope it stays that way.'

Cllr Collins also expressed his satisfaction at the strong performance from other Independent Ireland party members. Full interview below – and keep an eye out for the gymnast in the back!

8:00pm CLONAKILTY

A new addition at this year's count in Clonakilty – two screens which will show the results coming in from other areas in Co Cork.

One of two screens providing updates in Clonakilty from other areas of Co Cork.

COUNTY HALL

All eyes will be on this podium in County Hall throughout the weekend.

 

7.40pm CLONAKILTY

At 14% in the tallies, or an estimated 1,635 first preference votes, Cllr Caroline Cronin said she is ‘very hopeful’ it will be enough, with transfers, to secure her seat.

Cllr Caroline Cronin and her husband Sean O’Driscoll at the count in Clonakilty.

Cllr Cronin, who is based in Schull, was initially co-opted to replace Cllr Katie Murphy. She said helping people is what motivated her to enter local politics in the Bantry electoral area.

‘It’s the little things you can help people with are the most important things for me,’ said the Fine Gael candidate who lists housing as one of her top priorities.

6:40pm CLONAKILTY

Tá siad ag teacht! The ballots have arrived in Clonakilty and counting is set to begin shortly.

Meanwhile, those at Cork County Hall will be happy to see food trucks outside.

 

Inside Cork County Hall on count day.

 

6:25pm CLONAKILTY

Former Fine Gael minister Jim O'Keeffe says FG are set to be 'suitably rewarded' in the local elections.
 

6:11pm - EURO

There will be no counting started in the European elections until Sunday when the ballots will be counted at Nemo Rangers GAA club in Turner's Cross in Cork city. But tallyfolk in Mallow reported seeing several spoiled votes and also many blank ballots on the Euro election papers. One voter spoiled their ballot by writing 'A load of b****x' across theirs while another voter wrote FIX THE ROADS on their local elections ballot paper. While many voters did follow their selection down the paper from 1-23 on the Ireland South European Elections paper, it appears that many more only preferenced 1 to 3 or 4 on their selection, and left the boxes beside the remaining candidates blank.

5.40pm CLONAKILTY

Aontú candidate Patrick Murphy said he is disappointed with tally results that put him at about 380 votes, which is about 4% of the votes cast in the Bantry Electoral Area.

The candidate, who has also thrown his hat into the ring as a possible EU MEP for Aontú said: ‘I am shocked at the way the people have voted.

‘We are seeing a lack of housing, migration being a huge topic, and the fishing industry being wiped with 16 boats taken out of Castletownbere, yet the public seem to be happy enough with the political parties.

‘They are saying that in huge numbers,’ said Mr Murphy who commented on the strong turnout for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

‘It’s back to the way it was before so I am surprised but you have to abide by the will of the people,’ he added.

‘We didn’t get that sense on the doors to be honest. A lot of people we complaining. It’s a turn up for the books. I don’t know maybe I didn’t get the message out. We have lost a ot of our fishing industry, even the inshore people are saying how much they are losing out, but they didn’t seem to come out and vote.

'It’s perplexing that we are not getting the message out there.

5:15pm CLONAKILTY

The latest estimate is that the boxes – en route from Mallow GAA Complex – won't arrive here until 6.30pm approx. It could be a long night in Clonakilty!

4:35pm CLONAKILTY

We're waiting patiently for the boxes to arrive here in Clonakilty.

The ballot boxes are being transported from Mallow to Clonakilty.

 

4:06pm MALLOW – TALLIES

With 90% of the votes tallied, here is how Bantry-West Cork is looking.

 

Counting to begin shortly...

3:09pm MALLOW – TALLIES

Tallies are in as ballot boxes have been packed back up to get sent to the count centres. A reminder that ballots will go to Clonakilty for West Cork votes and to County Hall in Cork for Macroom and Carrigaline votes.

Reminder that tallies are predictions – not results.

Bandon-Kinsale – 98%

Alan Coleman and John Collins are going well in the Bandon-Kinsale LEA.

 

In Bandon-Kinsale, Alan Coleman (Ind) and John Collins (Ind Ire) are both looking safe bets at the moment. Social Democrat's Ann Bambury and FG candidate John Michael Foley should also be confident ahead of the start of the count.

Skibbereen – 98%

Skibbereen tallies part one.

 

Skibbereen tallies part two.

 

Former garda Noel O'Donovan (FG) and Cllr Joe Carroll (FF) are leading the way in Skibbereen. Even at this early stage, the count for this LEA looks like it has the potential to go late into Sunday evening with plenty of candidates tracking at similar levels.

Bantry tallies to follow.

2:41pm MALLOW

Holly Cairns, Social Democrat party leader, speaks to Star editor Siobhán Cronin about her party's performance so far, ahead of the final tally results.

2:05pm MALLOW

We have a very early call in the local elections from Con McCarthy, former director of elections for Michael Collins and member of current campaign team. He spoke to Star editor Siobhán Cronin about how he sees things ending up. Watch below.

1:10pm: MALLOW

With 71% of the boxes for the Carrigaline LEA open, this is the story so far from the tallyfolk watching from the sidelines:

 

 

 

 

 

11:51am: MALLOW

No boxes have been opened yet in the Carrigaline LEA.

11:45am MALLOW

With 41 out of 61 boxes open in the Macroom local electoral area, the story so far from the tallyfolk (eg tallies are parties' estimates not results):

 

 

 

 

11:42am MALLOW

With 48% of the boxes open in the Bandon/Kinsale LEA, the story so far –  note these are tallies (predictions), not results:

 

11.36am: MALLOW

With 49pc of the boxes opened and tallied (not results) in the Bantry LEA, the story so far:

 

 

 

11.23am: MALLOW

The story so far in the Skibbereen LEA - just 28% of boxes opened and tallied - ie not official results, but what the tallyfolk have seen so far ....

 

ABOVE: With 28% of the boxes tallied for the Skibbereen LEA/West Cork electoral area

11am: MALLOW GAA COMPLEX

Former Fine Gael councillor Noel O'Donovan is hoping to make a return to Cork County Council and early indications are that he is polling respectably in the few boxes opened outside of his home turf of Rosscarbery.

 

Fine Gael candidate Noel O’Donovan at the box opening centre in Mallow. (Photo: Martin Walsh)

 

10:48am MALLOW - BOXES OPENED

At the GAA Complex in Mallow boxes were opened at 9am and just a handful of boxes have been opened and tallied so far, for the West Cork local electoral areas. Some trends emerging are the Collins' brothers - Danny and John - doing well in their home areas of Bantry and Bandon respectively for their brother Michael's Independent Ireland party. Fine Gael's Caroline Cronin and Mary Lou Maguire Leahy are polling well in the Bantry area for Fine Gael, while Ann Bambury is polling well for the Social Democrats in Bandon Kinsale, but all initial trends come with a major health warning as just a few boxes have been tallied by the parties so far and all could change yet.

9am

Good morning from West Cork. Our reporters are readying themselves at the count centres.

We’re expecting a very busy day, with ballot boxes ready to be opened and counted across the country.

First count in Clonakilty is expected to start at 4pm.

Stay tuned throughout the weekend for regular updates as counts come in.

FRIDAY, JUNE 7TH

10pm

And that is that folks! Voting is now closed in both the local and European elections.

Full turnout numbers will follow tomorrow along with the start of the highly-anticipated count, which is scheduled to begin at approximately 4pm.

A turnout of over 50% was reported at Kilcoe NS, with a 'really busy' final hour and very full ballot boxes.

Remember, if you're in Clonakilty the voting isn't over, as mayoral elections take place tomorrow.

We'll be back on this page to keep you up to date from tomorrow morning.

21.42pm

At 8pm, voter turnout in Cork county was 43.4% – higher than the 2019 election. Polling stations across the county have been reporting varying numbers as the last minute rush is currently underway, with people getting their votes in before 10pm

At 8.50pm, the Courtmacsherry polling station was reporting a 60% voter turnout.

Cllr Caroline Cronin (FG), centre, casting her vote with family members Olivia, Sean, Shauna and Chloe.

 

7pm

With polling stations open until 10pm tonight candidates are asking voters to get out and exercise their democratic right to cast their vote today in both the local and European elections.

6.53pm

Fine Gael candidate Brendan McCarthy voting at the O'Donovan Rossa GAA club in Skibbereen this evening.

Brendan McCarthy is a FG candidate in Skibbereen.

 

 

 6.51pm

The turnout at Caheragh near Skibbereen at 6.15pm today was reported to be 26% turnout, but with a steady stream of voters arriving in after work and evening meals.

5.45pm

The voting centre at the O'Donovan Rossa complex in Skibbereen.

 

Skibbereen's new all-in-one voting centre at the O'Donovan Rossa GAA pavilion has been very busy all day according to staff, with no let-up in voters arriving to cast their ballots in both the local and European elections.

Voter turnout for County Cork in today’s Local and European elections as of 17:00 is 26.8%. Polling stations vary from 21% to 34% with most polling stations sitting between 24% and 29%.

Figures at the same time in previous elections as a comparison:

2019 Local & European elections and referendum – 27.2%

2020 Dail Elections – 43.5%

2024 Referenda – 22.3%

2018 Presidential Election – 22%

2018 Referendum on the 8th Amendment – 33.5%

4.30pm

Turnout is slowly rising across the country and in West Cork. Courtmacsherry is reporting a 30% turnout this evening.

Voters in Bandon Town Hall might wonder if the building could have done with a clean before the big day!

Bandon Town Hall on election day.

 

We'll be here throughout the evening and into the weekend to update you on the latest as the counts begin tomorrow at approximately 4pm.

A reminder that all ballots will go to Mallow to be sorted before they are sent back to the relevant count centres to be counted.

More photos from candidates casting their votes across West Cork.

SD candidate in the Bandon-Kinsale LEA, Ann Bambury, casting her vote at Laragh National School today.

 

Local election candidate Pádraig O'Reilly (FF) outside a Clonakilty polling station with his daughter.

 

John Mullins (FG), casting his vote today. Mullins is running in the Ireland South constituency in the European elections.

 

2.20pm

We spoke to Clonakilty count supervisor Seán O'Callaghan about how it all works this weekend, with counting expected to start at 4pm tomorrow.

@southernstarirl Clonakilty count supervisor Seán O'Callaghan runs through how it all works this weekend, as voting for local and European elections is underway. Follow our live blog on southernstar.ie 🎥 Jackie Keogh & Tony O'Shaughnessy #LE24 #EU24 #LE2024 #EU2024 #westcork ♬ original sound - The Southern Star

O'Callaghan says the count will restart on Sunday at 10am with the second count, 'and thereafter until we finish!'

More photos are rolling in from across West Cork as the turnout slowly rises.

Lord David Puttnam after voting at Skibbereen Polling Station on local and European election day. (Photo: Andy Gibson)

 

Local election candidate Cllr Joe Carroll (Fianna Fáil) casting his vote in Skibbereen. (Photo: Andy Gibson)

 

1.08pm

Outside the polling station at Bandon GAA Pavillion.

 

Voter turnout figures are in for parts of West Cork. At the Bandon GAA Pavillion there are five polling booths:

Polling 1: Locals, 14.55%. European, 13.65%. Polling 2: Locals, 108 votes cast. European, 104 votes cast. Polling 3: Locals, 17%. European, 11%. Polling 4: Locals, 15%. European, 15.7%. Polling 5: 17.7% turnout overall.

Voter turnout for county Cork in today’s Local and European elections as of 12pm was 11.3%.

This is lower than the previous local and European elections in 2019, which had 12.3%, but much higher than the recent referenda, which had a turnout of 8.4% at this stage.

12.16am

We're busy this afternoon setting up at the Clonakilty Community Hall and preparing for a busy count. Ballot papers from West Cork will be sent to Mallow tomorrow to be sorted before returning to Clonakilty to be counted from approximately 4pm.

The calm before the storm at Clonakilty Community Hall. Counting will take place here over the weekend.

 

Election candidates from across West Cork have been voting early today as well, with Beara man and Bantry–West Cork candidate Finbarr Harrington casting his vote in Cahermore National School earlier today. Harrington, who missed out by one vote in 2019 to Holly Cairns, is hoping for a win this time out.

Finbarr Harrington with his family after voting in Cahermore NS.

 

11:43am

The turnout at Caheragh NS No 2 polling station outside Skibbereen was 8.3% at 11am today, which is considered 'brisk' by this time of day. A total of 9 voters had called in before 8am, in fact, as polling stations opened at 7am today to cater for early morning commuters and those doing the school run. The polling station is in the Bantry Local Electoral Area.

This year some locals who formerly voted at the Church of Ireland parish hall nearby were surprised to find the doors closed at their usual polling station – and by glancing at their polling card realised they had been transferred to the national school nearby. There was some speculation that the polling station was changed as parking can be an issue at times on the busy Caheragh to Skibbereen road.

There is ample parking at the nearby Catholic church car park, which has a ramped walkway into the adjacent national school. The black and yellow bunting around the school was as a result of the Sciath na Scol GAA event and not in favour of any candidates!

Bunting for Sciath na Scol at the pretty polling station at Caheragh NS this morning.

 

10.53AM

Local election candidate Isobel Towse (Social Democrats) and her 1 year old daughter Wynn at the Lisavaird polling station today. (Photo: Andy Gibson)

 

More than 3.7 million people are registered to vote in the local elections across Ireland, and some of those have already cast their vote in West Cork. Among them is Social Democrats candidate Isobel Towse, who is running for election in the Skibbereen - West Cork local electoral area.

9.30AM

The polls are open, and West Cork will today decide who will represent the region in various local electoral areas and in the European Parliament.

Read our list of who is running here.

THURSDAY, JUNE 6TH

1PM

Still undecided? The Southern Star has plenty of coverage to help you make an informed decision at the ballot tomorrow.

For local election coverage, click here. For European election coverage, click here.

Want more detail? Subscribe to read our exclusive local election preview.

A view of proceedings at the re-count in Cork County Hall in 2019. Will there be recounts this year? (Photo: Martin Walsh)

 

We also have a handy guide on who is running each constituency in West Cork available here.

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