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.
FINAL COUNT: MACROOM
Ted Lucey (Fine Gael) and Martin Coughlan (Non-Party) have been deemed elected in the seventh and final count for the Macroom Local Electoral Area.
All six seats have now been filled.#CorkCountyLE24 #LE2024 #LE24 pic.twitter.com/7Fo0SV7Bv7
— Cork County Council (@Corkcoco) June 9, 2024
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.
SEVENTH COUNT: CARRIGALINE
Una McCarthy (Fine Gael) has been elected on the seventh count in the Carrigaline Local Electoral Area. Chris O’Brien (Non-Party) has been excluded.#CorkCountyLE24 #LE2024 #LE24 pic.twitter.com/U2Jso3FWb0
— Cork County Council (@Corkcoco) June 9, 2024
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
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
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.
