First tallies emerge in contest for Limerick City and County Council

THERE’S some early indications as to how rural Limerick has voted in the local election.

Tallymen and women have been hard at work here in the count centre at the Limerick Racecourse.

And with almost a quarter of boxes opened in the Adare-Rathkeale muncipal district, outgoing Fianna Fail councillor Bridie Collins, from Adare village, is leading the way with 24% of the vote, and 712 first preference votes.

Her namesake, Joanne Collins, of Sinn Fein, is on 5.6% of the vote, followed by Independent candidate Richie Crehan.

Sitting councillor Stephen Keary from Croagh has polled 443 votes according to the early tally, while his running mate Cllr Adam Teskey has polled 298 first preferences, according to the tallies.

It’s been a strong start in the Newcastle West district for Cllr Liam Galvin.

With 11 boxes opened of 45, the Abbeyfeale man is leading the way with 879 votes, or 26.8% of the vote.

Newcastle West councillor Michael Collins is at 13.5% of the vote, or 443 votes, according to these early estimates.

High-profile Independent councillor Jerome Scanlan haas made a solid start, polling 395 first preference votes, according to the tally.

He is ahead of outgoing Fine Gael councillor Tom Ruddle, who has 251 first preference votes.

Fine Gael’s council leader John Sheahan has polled 147 first preference votes, the tallies suggest. However, it’s likely his vote will pick up as more boxes from his power base along the Shannon Estuary are opened.

Fine Gael took four of the seats on offer in Newcastle West at the last election.

In Cappamore/Kilmallock, Independent councillor Eddie Ryan of Galbally has taken a huge lead.

The former Fianna Fail man has 813 first preference votes – or 27.7% of the vote, according to the tallies.

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Sinn Fein councillor PJ Carey is second with 409 first preference votes.

He is closely followed by Fine Gael’s Greg Conway, who missed out last time. He is just 10 behind – with 399 first preference votes.

However, just 10 of the 61 boxes have so far been tallied in what is the largest constituency in Limerick, so that picture could change as the day goes on.

Stay with www.limericklive.ie as the day goes on. Our blog will go live at noon.