Ballinasloe result clear from the opening count
The first count of the Ballinasloe electoral area has seen the election of four candidates, three of them sitting councillors.
Cllr Michael Connolly (FF) topped the poll for his first time in his 25 years in politics, securing 2,410 first preferences.
Two Independents took the next two seats – Cllr Declan Geraghty had 2,262 top votes, followed by Cllr Evelyn Parsons, the community healthcare GP who was co-opted onto the last Council.
Alan Harney, a 28-year-old solicitor who ran for Fine Gael for the first time, surprised many with his impressive 1,784 tally.
Sinn Féin’s Cllr Dermot Connolly and Cllr Peter Keaveney are both on course to be elected, with both just shy of the quota.
Cllr Connolly’s 633 surplus votes will now be distributed to get a final result for Ballinasloe’s remaining two seats.
Caption: Evelyn Parsons celebrates with her family after she was returned to Galway County Council. Pic Gerry Stronge
Electorate: 24,074
Total poll: 12,567
Spoiled votes: 134
Total valid poll: 12,433
Quota: 1,777
Connolly Michael (FF) 2,410 Elected
Geraghty, Declan (Ind) 2,262 Elected
Parsons, Evelyn (Ind) 2,055 Elected
Harney, Alan (FG) 1,784 Elected
Connolly Dermot (SF) 1,768
Keaveney, Peter (FG) 1,561
Mannion, Andrew (PBP) 364
Maher, Regan (SF) 229
Connolly, Michael surplus of 633 to be distributed.