Ros-Galway: 6th Count: Fitzmaurice elected
Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has been elected on the sixth count just after midnight in the new Roscommon-Galway constituency.
His election was greeted with rapturous applause by a hall full of supporters who were finally admitted into the Dr Hyde Park Hall after a standoff by the TD, who threatened not to enter unless his large group were also granted entry.
His election sees the elimination of Labour's John Kelly, whose 1,442 votes will now be distributed.
The final battle between Maura Hopkins (FG) and Eugene Murphy (FF) could well continue into the small hours, with just a margin of 330 dividing the pair.
SIXTH COUNT: Distribution of Eddie Conroy (AAA) 1,172 votes
Curran, Shane (FF) +54 2,294
Fitzmaurice, Michael (IND) +355 11,630
Hopkins, Maura (FG) +143 7,698
Kelly, John (Lab) +69 1,442
Kerrane, Claire (SF) +290 3,591
Murphy, Eugene (FF) +108 7,368
Non-Transferable: 183
Kelly Eliminated