THE CLARE ECHO is live from Treacy’s West County Hotel with counting underway to determine who the county has elected as its four TDs to serve in the 34th Dáil.
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22:30 – Time to sign off from our #GE24 count coverage. Thanks for giving us your number one vote for #GE24. If you like what we do please consider becoming a Clare Echo subscriber. Our coverage was sponsored by OneBill.ie From me Páraic McMahon thanks for tuning in! More coverage of course to follow on clareecho.ie over the coming days.
21:53 – Podcast recording ongoing.
21:10 – We will be recording an episode of The Electoral Chair to recap on the General Election outcome in Clare in the next few moments. Any questions for our panel of experts?
21:03 – Sixmilebridge shop owner Flora Crowe says of the sweet choices. Timmy Dooley has “a bite in him”, Cathal Crowe is “a smooth operator”, Donna McGettigan is “the Red Planet” and Joe Cooney has “an appetite for hard work” .
20:58 – Elected TDs were treated to a Celebration when doing their Scariff Bay interviews. Timmy Dooley had a Malteaser, Cathal Crowe had a Galaxy, Donna McGettigan had a Mars while Joe Cooney opted for a Double Decker and Milky Way.
20:54 – First in and last out, Donna McGettigan TD (SF) was the first candidate to arrive in the count centre, she is the last to leave. More importantly, she arrived as a councillor and exits Ennis as a TD.
20:53 – Recap on proceedings from the election count – HERE
20:30 – Leonora Carey (FG) tells The Clare Echo her first run for office won’t be her last.
20:12 – Returning Officer Rita Considine formally announces the result as Clare elects Timmy Dooley (FF), Cathal Crowe (FF), Donna McGettigan (SF) and Joe Cooney (FG).
20:02 – Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) and Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) are elected without reaching the quota. Leonora Carey (FG) is eliminated on the final count.
20:01 -Clare Sixteenth Count
Quota: 12,182
Donna McGettigan (SF) 12036 (+1233)
Joe Cooney (FG) 10790 (+1110)
Leonora Carey (FG) 8462 (+1592)
5825 votes from Garvey
Non transferrable 1890
19:59 – “That would be the icing on the cake altogether,” says a Fianna Fáil stalwart on the potential of the third and fourth TD in Clare getting elected without reaching the quota.
19:57 – Crowds gathering around Cllr Joe Cooney (FG), Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) and Leonora Carey (FG).
19:55 – Hang onto your hats folks! Count sixteen and potentially the final count is imminent.
19:49 – “She wouldn’t make a good Eucharistic Minister,” a comment made of an unsuccessful TD up the country by a Fine Gael member.
19:42 – Dancing the night away at the West County are TD in waiting, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) and Mayor of Clare, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF). 
19:39 – Campaign manager of Cllr Cooney (FG), Matthew McMahon has landed. He’s a former commentator with Clare FM as you will recall.
19:32 – “I’m delighted we have two seats, I’m sad for Rita, she is a fantastic Cllr and a fantastic support for me since I was elected, it would have been great to have a female TD but we will get there eventually, I’m delighted for Cathal, a former teacher of mine and a great personal mentor of mine, we had the lost of Mary Feehily, we lost a full week of canvassing with the tragedy but it is testament to the leader of the campaign and the work Cathal has done. I am also delighted that Timmy has won back his seat. Who knows the next time we could elect three TDs,” remarks Cllr Rachel Hartigan (FF) to The Clare Echo.
19:31 – Paul Bugler (FG) is questioned on Scariff Bay following a query from @thepmanofficial from afar on whether he is contention for the looming Council co-option for Cllr Cooney. “Someone is firing balls,” responds Bugler.
19:29 – An observation from Head of Advertising Denise Quinn is that Cathal Crowe’s (FF) PA Ben Sweeney has a strut to match Fingers.
19:27 – Two time All-Ireland winner, PJ Fingers O’Connell has landed in the count centre. He’s been part of the canvassing team for Cllr Joe Cooney (FG).
19:22 – Joe Buckley is showing off his muscles here at the count centre. “I’ve one thing that a lot of people don’t have and that’s stamina”. You’ll have noticed we haven’t had any photos in a while because Dear Joe is busy chatting.
19:19 – Senator Martin Conway (FG) – “one can only be disappointed from a county point of view that there is no TD from North Clare, West Clare or Ennis elected. I’m hoping to address that by retaining my Seanad seat and serving as a voice for North Clare”.
19:15 – Well wishers gathering around Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) with election success not too far away for the O’Callaghans Mills man.
19:11 – Fresh from his election in Limerick, Maurice Quinlivan (SF) is understood to be on his way to Ennis as Cllr Donna McGettigan’s (SF) election is imminent.
19:10 – Both candidates expected to be elected on the next count.
18:49 – It’s looking like Donna and Joe for the last two seats in Clare for #GE24. A different Donna and Joe represented Ireland in the Eurovision in 2005.
18:35 – Could Clare have a senior and junior Minister with the success of Timmy Dooley (FF) and Cathal Crowe (FF)?
18:18 – Three candidates left and only two seats remain, Donna McGettigan (SF) ON 10,803, Joe Cooney (FG) on 9680 and Leonora Carey (FG) on 6870.
18:15 – His surplus of 162 is insufficient to elect a candidate so it results in the elimination of Senator Roisin Garvey (GP).
18:14 – Outgoing TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) is elected.
18:14 -Clare Fifteenth Count
Quota: 12,182
Cathal Crowe (FF) 12344 (+920)
Donna McGettigan (SF) 10803 (+810)
Joe Cooney (FG) 9680 (+821)
Leonora Carey (FG) 6870 (+332)
Roisin Garvey (GP) 5825 (+325)
4978 votes from Punch
1170 non transferable
18:11 – Rita Considine is at the mic.
18:07 – Fifteenth count on the way in Clare.
18:02 – Ex Junior Minister, Pat Breen (FG) praises Amanda Major (IND) for putting her name forward. “That is what a democracy is all about”.
18:00 – Amanda Major (IND) says this is not the end of her political career. The Ennis woman doesn’t rule out a return to a political party.
17:54 – Large group gathers around Cathal Crowe (FF) for a photograph, friends, family and his campaign team.
17:43 – “There’s a flat atmosphere in the room, now we’re at the business end as Cathal Crowe gets elected next, momentum will build up and the elections will follow more quickly. As a democracy, we need to look at increasing the bond to be a candidate as it is almost too accessible now, if people are serious about their candidature then they get crowd funding,” comments Joe Melody (FG).
17:39 – Over half of the Dáil seats have been filled nationally.
17:30 – “Our stance is there are red lines particularly on health and housing that we will not cross, we look at it at as a poisoned chalice, it is a double edge sword, we know we can’t doing the same things and expecting different outcomes, we’ve seen it with Labour and the Greens and what happened, the temptation to go into Government and make a difference on health and housing is clearly there but at the same we won’t compromise our red lines. Personally I think Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael will grab Independents formerly of those parties,” says Fiona Levie (SD) Chair of the Social Democrats branch in Clare. She says the focus is on growing the branch in Clare and is “cautious” on a coalition ‘but we don’t want to stay in opposition forever”.
17:27 – Count number fifteen could see the election of Cathal Crowe (FF).
17:11 – Fianna Fáil’s management of the vote and transfers has been labelled as very impressive by ex councillor Paul Bugler (FG).
17:05 – Those expected to benefit the most from Punch’s transfers are Cathal Crowe (FF) and Cllr Joe Cooney (FG).
16:56 – Clare Fourteenth Count / Surplus from Dooley.
Quota: 12,182
Cathal Crowe (FF) 11424 (+954)
Donna McGettigan (SF) 9993 (+22)
Joe Cooney (FG) 8859 (+92)
Leonora Carey (FG) 6538 (+111)
Roisin Garvey (GP) 5500 (+75)
Eddie Punch (II) 4978 (+56)
1384 surplus from Dooley
Non transferrable 74
16:39 – “My party has made it clear we will not be in Government with Sinn Féin but I will certainly be working closely with Donna McGettigan (SF) for the people of Clare,” Timmy Dooley TD (FF).
16:33 – Cathal Crowe (FF) in a strong position to become Clare’s second TD and will benefit from Dooley’s surplus.
16:31 – “We’d be hopeful in Clare but I’m also mindful that there are other constituencies where people did well,” Dooley says on the prospect of a Ministry position.
16:24 – Timmy Dooley now joins the Scariff Bay crew where a box of Celebrations is aptly opened in front of him. A Malteaser is the choice of the Mountshannon man.
16:22 – Surplus of 1,384 from Dooley to be eliminated for the fourteenth count.
16:18 – RTÉ cameras are beaming onto Timmy Dooley who is about to go live from Ennis.
16:12 – Father and son, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) and Liam Hayes (FF) lift Dooley into the air, his supporters jubilated with the success.
16:11 – Timmy Dooley (FF) is the first TD elected in Clare.
16:08 – Clare Thirteenth Count
Quota: 12,182
Timmy Dooley (FF) 13566 (+1487)
Cathal Crowe (FF) 10470 (+1374)
Donna McGettigan (SF) 9971 (+187)
Joe Cooney (FG) 8767 (+375)
Leonora Carey (FG) 6427 (+334)
Roisin Garvey (GP) 5425 (+300)
Eddie Punch (II) 4922 (+251)
16:00 – Stand by for count number thirteen.
15:43 – Just making our way to join the crew of Scariff Bay Community Radio to over some of the goings on from day two.
15:37 – False alarm at the count centre, a sound check on the mic of the Returning Officer almost puts the crowd into a mini-frenzy.
15:33 – Gerard ‘The Monk’ Hutch is eliminated in Dublin Central.
15:27 – Fine Gael’s Director of Elections, Geraldine Gregan (FG) offers her commiserations to Dr Tom Nolan (FG) who bowed out of the #GE24 race.
15:10 – 6002 votes from West Clare went to candidates outside of the area (51%) as calculated by former Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF). “It can’t take away from the work that the lads have done but it does highlight an issue”.
15:06 – Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) set to be elected on the thirteenth count, something he predicted to The Clare Echo before leaving the count centre last night.
15:04 – 895 transfers from Eddie Punch (II) from June Dillon keep him in the race for another count or two!
15:01 – Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) eliminated on the twelfth count after Eddie Punch (II) overtakes her following June Dillon’s (AON) transfers.
15:00 –
Clare Twelfth Count
2857 transfers from Dillon
Quota: 12,182
Timmy Dooley (FF) 12079 (+167)
Donna McGettigan (SF) 9784 (+413)
Cathal Crowe (FF) 9096 (+289)
Joe Cooney (FG) 8392 (+125)
Leonora Carey (FG) 6093 (+102)
Roisin Garvey (GP) 5125 (+179)
Eddie Punch (II) 4671 (+895)
Rita McInerney (FF) 4592 (+224)
Non-transferable 463
14:55 – Stand by for the twelfth count.
14:35 – Eddie Punch (II) looks to be the big winner from June Dillon’s (AON) transfers.
14:20 – Not since Brendan Daly (FF) in 1977 with 11,933 has there been a higher first preference vote in Clare for a General Election than Timmy Dooley’s (FF) return of 11,313.
14:14 – Eight candidates left in Clare with all four seats to be filled.
14:12 – James Marrinan from Toonagh tours the count centre with his wife Mary. They’re pleased with the election outcome.
14:05 -‘And then he got me to pose with a photograph with my injured fingers’.
Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) is fully recovered following a scare with a ladder at the beginning of the #GE24 campaign and is now following The Clare Echo’s coverage with former councillor Gerry Flynn (IND).
14:00 – “The die has been cast, the transfer has widened the gap very substantially. You are now talking about whatever might come from Eddie Punch and Roisin Garvey, that is where you will have to be looking for a change around, it would have to be a very high transfer for them for Leonora Carey,” says former Clare TD, Madeline Taylor Quinn (FG).
13:58 – “It is clearly a vote for the Government, an endorsement for can do people with a proven track record. I think they should be prudent in their future financial decisions, develop the model three hospital at the current site in Ennis, rebuild the old part of the hospital and go up about five floors, build on what you have and build a multi-storey car park, I’d encourage the elected TDs to be prudent and sensible,” says Ronan Daly (FF).
13:56 – “It’s like a slow bicycle race at this stage,” observes Colin McGann, editor of The Clare Champion.
13:48 – June Dillon (AON) only the second ever Aontú candidate in Clare says she is very pleased with her finish. She had expected an initial poll of 1,000 plus votes. She exits on the eleventh count with 2,857.
13:40 – Views of Kilrush based, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND), “there is still uncertainty regarding the confirmation of the county’s new TDs. However, it appears increasingly likely that West and North Clare may not have a TD representative. This situation creates a significant imbalance in representation, with a notable bias towards the East. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to engage in discussions with the candidates and address concerns over this imbalance. All candidates expressed their commitment to ensuring that West and North Clare receive their fair share of representation. Best of luck to all four TDs, please ensure you representation the county as a whole and don’t let West and North Clare be forgotten Undoubtedly, this issue will require sustained attention over the next five years. It is noteworthy that six candidates contested the elections from North and West Clare, yet a significant portion of the West and North electorate voted outside their areas.
Moving forward, it is imperative that we collaborate effectively to address this matter and ensure that 48% of the county’s population is not left without a local voice”.
13:34 – Winners from the transfers from Hilary Tonge (SD) are Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) with +840 and Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) with +808. Garvey overtakes Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) and McGettigan jump back into second place ahead of Cathal Crowe TD (FF).
13:32 – June Dillon (AON) eliminated on the eleventh count.
13:30 – Clare Eleventh Count
2723 transfers from Tonge
Quota: 12,182
Timmy Dooley (FF) 11912 (+111)
Donna McGettigan (SF) 9371 (+840)
Cathal Crowe (FF) 8807 (+158)
Joe Cooney (FG) 8267 (+112)
Leonora Carey (FG) 5991 (+131)
Roisin Garvey (GP) 4946 (+808)
Rita McInerney (FF) 4368 (+73)
Eddie Punch (II) 3776 (+169)
June Dillon (AON) 2857 (+124)
Non-transferable 197
13:26 – Our eleventh count is due in the next few moments. Stand by.
13:23 – Sinn Fein expecting Hilary Tonge’s (SD) 843 transfers to go to Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF).
13:19 – Mayor of Clare, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) distributes a bumper pack of Heroes among the media and supporters. It’ll keep our photographer Joe Buckley quiet for a while.
13:17 – Fianna Fáil supporters eyeing up a twelfth count election for Senator Timmy Dooley (FF).
13:09 – Some of the leap frogging from the tenth count, Cathal Crowe (FF) hops above Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) and June Dillon nudged ahead of Hilary Tonge (SD) by ten votes to avoid being eliminated.
13:06 – According to political strategist, Martin Lynch (FG) we could see waits of one hour per count from here on.
13:01 – “You might be down for Any Other Business,” Martin Lynch (FG) says the election count is not likely to be concluded in time for the AGM of Newmarket-on-Fergus GAA club.
12:59 – West Clare votes didn’t go directly to West Clare candidates. 575 transfers from Dr Tom Nolan (FG) go to Cllr Rita McInerney (FF).
12:45 – Observations from Angela Coll (FF) on Tom Nolan’s (FG) transfers is an 85% Govt transfer. Broken down for 43.14% for Fianna Fáil, 36.7% for Fine Gael, 4.8% for Greens, 12.6% for others.
12:36 – Hilary Tonge (SD) eliminated on the tenth count in Clare.
12:34 –
Clare Tenth Count
2269 transfers from Nolan
Quota: 12,182
Timmy Dooley (FF) 11801 (+212)
Cathal Crowe (FF) 8649 (+192)
Donna McGettigan (SF) 8531 (+54)
Joe Cooney (FG) 8155 (+341)
Leonora Carey (FG) 5860 (+492)
Rita McInerney (FF) 4295 (+575)
Roisin Garvey (GP) 4138 (+109)
Eddie Punch (II) 3607 (+105)
June Dillon (AON) 2733 (+84)
Hilary Tonge (SD) 2723 (+43)
Non-transferable 62
12:24 – Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) is 593 votes from the quota.
12:15 – “Based on those figures it is game over,” says a veteran Fine Gael member.
12:12 – Estimated transfers from Nolan as per tally men, 800 for Cllr Rita McInerney (FF), 415 for Leonora Carey (FG) and 300-400 for Cllr Joe Cooney (FG).
12:11 – If things stay as they are, there will be two co-options to Clare County Council if both Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) and Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) are elected to the Dáil.
12:10 – Our next count will be the tenth.
12:01 – Certainly more of a crowd beginning to gather as the race heats up in Clare.
11:56 – “We will have four very hard working people that are embedded in their county or community, that is very positive. I hope the geographic imbalance of the make-up of the TDs won’t cause any issues but there is a good field across the county with them. The short run-in was very much favourable to people who were recognised,” says Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG).
11:47 – Also on the ninth count, Cllr McGettigan moves into second spot with Cathal Crowe TD (FF) into third place.
11:41 – From Leahy’s transfers, big winners were Eddie Punch (II) +559, June Dillon (AON) +365 and Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) +135.
11:38 – Dr Tom Nolan (FG) eliminated on the ninth count in Clare.
11:37 – Clare Ninth Count
1472 transfers from Leahy (IFP)
Quota: 12,182
Timmy Dooley (FF) 11589 (+47)
Donna McGettigan (SF) 8477 (+135)
Cathal Crowe (FF) 8457 (+31)
Joe Cooney (FG) 7814 (+31)
Leonora Carey (FG) 5368 (+24)
Roisin Garvey (GP) 4029 (+29)
Rita McInerney (FF) 3720 (+26)
Eddie Punch (II) 3502 (+559)
Hilary Tonge (SD) 2680 (+30)
June Dillon (AON) 2649 (+365)
Tom Nolan (FG) 2269 (+22)
Non-transferable 173
11:16 – Clare FM’s Daragh Dolan is helping to try rescue a missing “Jack Russell terrier” in Clarecastle while reporting on the election count in Ennis.
11:08 – “There’ll be a bit of a tension yet before it’s over,” Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) predicts as he arrives in the count centre.
11:05 – Now 84 votes between Cathal Crowe TD (FF) and Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF). There’s 559 between McGettigan and Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) now. McGettigan getting a real bounce on transfers from the ‘anti-establishment’ voters.
10:57 – Big winners from Ní Chatháin’s transfers Hilary Tonge (SD) +367, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) +242 and Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) +105.
10:52 – Michael Leahy (IFP) eliminated on the eighth count in Clare.
10:50 – Clare Eighth Count
924 transfers from Caitríona Ní Chatháin (SOC)
Quota: 12,182
Timmy Dooley (FF) 11542 (+14)
Cathal Crowe (FF) 8426 (+22)
Donna McGettigan (SF) 8342 (+242)
Joe Cooney (FG) 7783 (+11)
Leonora Carey (FG) 5344 (+16)
Roisin Garvey (GP) 4000 (+105)
Rita McInerney (FF) 3694 (+10)
Eddie Punch (II) 2943 (+44)
Hilary Tonge (SD) 2650 (+367)
June Dillon (AON) 2284 (+39)
Tom Nolan (FG) 2247 (+8)
Michael Leahy (IFP) 1472 (+11)
+35 non transferrable
10:45 – We’ll have an eighth count in the next matter of minutes.
10:37 – Mayor of Clare, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) and former Junior Minister, Pat Breen (FG) also present in the count centre awaiting the eighth count.
10:34 – A Fine Gael strategist in Clare admits that their cause would have been better served if Leonora Carey (FG) had the trial run of contesting the local elections in the Ennis Municipal District running solely as an Ennis candidate.
10:26 – Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) is among the supporters of Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) to have arrived at the count centre.
10:25 – More of a crowd filtering into the count centre, the rest are wisely following The Clare Echo’s election updates brought to you in association with OneBill.ie – simplifying utilities maximising savings.
10:23 – Returning Officer Rita Considine pictured announcing a count in Treacy’s West County Hotel.
10:19 – “I am so honoured to have had the opportunity to represent my political party for the first time in my home county and look forward to building and campaigning in Clare going forward. I am beyond grateful to everyone who voted for me. We stand for a movement to end inequality and I am proud to be part of this,” Caitríona Ní Chatháin (SOC) tells The Clare Echo.
10:15 – Caitríona Ní Chathain (SOC) eliminated on the seventh count.
10:14 – Clare Seventh Count
Quota: 12,182
Timmy Dooley (FF) 11528 (+47)
Cathal Crowe (FF) 8404 (+36)
Donna McGettigan (SF) 8100 (+50)
Joe Cooney (FG) 7772 (+36)
Leonora Carey (FG) 5328 (+15)
Roisin Garvey (GP) 3895 (+13)
Rita McInerney (FF) 3684 (+136)
Eddie Punch (II) 2899 (+131)
Hilary Tonge (SD) 2283 (+15)
June Dillon (AON) 2245 (+65)
Tom Nolan (FG) 2239 (+70)
Michael Leahy (IFP) 1461 (+73)
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 924 (+17)
789 transfers from Kevin Hassett
10:09 – Cllr David Griffin (FF) and Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) have arrived in the count centre.
10:08 – Stand by, seventh count will be announced in a matter of moments.
10:00 – Counting staff expecting to get through things much quicker in Ennis today. They’re flying it so far this Sunday morning.
09:52 – 318 votes between Cathal Crowe TD (FF) and Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) while there’s 314 between third placed McGettigan and Cllr Joe Cooney (FG).
09:45 – For the second day in a row, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) is the first candidate to arrive at the count centre.
09:42 – Big winners from Moroney’s transfers are Cooney (+89), Hassett (+82) but not enough to stop his elimination, McGettigan (+71) and Dooley (+69)
09:41 – June Dillon (AON) overtakes Dr Tom Nolan (FG) on the sixth count.
09:38 – Kevin Hassett (IND) has been eliminated on the sixth count.
09:36 – Sixth Count (transfers from Matthew Moroney).
Quota: 12,182
Timmy Dooley (FF) 11481 (+69)
Cathal Crowe (FF) 8368 (+53)
Donna McGettigan (SF) 8050 (+71)
Joe Cooney (FG) 7736 (+89)
Leonora Carey (FG) 5313 (+15)
Roisin Garvey (GP) 3882 (+7)
Rita McInerney (FF) 3548 (+17)
Eddie Punch (II) 2768 (+75)
Hilary Tonge (SD) 2268 (+18)
June Dillon (AON) 2180 (+25)
Tom Nolan (FG) 2169 (+10)
Michael Leahy (IFP) 1388 (+22)
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 907 (+13)
Kevin Hassett (IND) 789 (+82)
09:33 – 133 of the 174 Dáil seats have to be filled across the country.
09:31 – “I don’t think we’ll be getting to any soccer match,” The Clare Echo photographer Joe Buckley on the realisation that we’ll be still in the count centre when three Clare teams, Avenue Utd, Bridge Utd and Newmarket Celtic are in action in the fourth round of the FAI Junior Cup. Best of luck to all three.
09:29 – Running mates, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) and Cathal Crowe TD (FF) pictured greeting each other in the count centre on Saturday night watched by Cllr Shane Talty (FF).
Photo by Joe Buckley
09:26 – Clare has been one of the more slower moving constituencies but when the pace picks up it is likely to get pretty rapid!
09:18 – “It’s the deadest election. There doesn’t seem to be any tension there” remarks a veteran Fine Gael tally man.
09:13 – On some of the transfer trends, Gerry Flynn (IND) says, “Sinn Féin have smoothened the edges and are a lot more transfer friendly than people think. We’re also seeing a transfer among female candidates and Joe Cooney (FG) is picking up more than Leonora Carey (FG) on transfers” .
09:10 – Sorting and counting underway for the sixth count in Clare.
09:09 – “It is going to get interesting when we have a series of eliminations,” predicts Gerry Flynn (IND).
09:05 – Two of the giants of local politics in Shannon and Clare, Patricia McCarthy (IND) and Gerry Flynn (IND) has arrived.
09:02 – Counters resuming their positions, they’re refreshed and buzzing to go for day two.
08:56 – Rise and shine! We’re back at Treacy’s West County Hotel for day two of the election count in Clare. Counting to resume very shortly!
00:16 – That’s a wrap from us for day one of the General Election count. Returning Officer, Rita Considine says the count centre must be cleared and sealed off. Thanks to you all for the feedback and for tuning in. Our election coverage is brought to you in association with OneBill.ie.
00:11 – Outgoing TD Cathal Crowe (FF) says it will take a candidate with 2,500 or 3,000 votes exiting in order to see someone elected in Clare.
00:09 – Count staff hopeful things will be move swiftly when counting resumes at 9am.
00:05 – Paul Bugler (FG) predicts Senator Dooley will be elected before the thirteenth count at least on Sunday. “He has become transfer friendly again”.
00:01 – Martin Lynch (FG) heading home to prepare his notes for the Newmarket-on-Fergus GAA AGM.
23:58 – ‘Four counts and a funeral’ – a day in the life of Patricia McCarthy (IND) former Mayor of Clare. She took a small break from the count to attend a funeral, we were very grateful to have her insights with us throughout the day.
23:54 – Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) tells The Clare Echo – “I’m very pleased for the overall Fianna Fáil campaign in Clare, it looks like we will get two seats, we tried it the last time and we were unsuccessful, we seem to have it on this occasion, it is positive for Micheál Martin and for Clare”.
23:50 – Matthew Moroney (IND) eliminated on the fifth count in Clare.
23:48 –
Fifth Count
Quota: 12,182
Timmy Dooley (FF) 11412 (+57)
Cathal Crowe (FF) 8315 (+29)
Donna McGettigan (SF) 7979 (+26)
Joe Cooney (FG) 7647 (+59)
Leonora Carey (FG) 5298 (+21)
Roisin Garvey (GP) 3875 (+55)
Rita McInerney (FF) 3531 (+30)
Eddie Punch (II) 2693 (+58)
Hilary Tonge (SD) 2250 (+13)
Tom Nolan (FG) 2159 (+8)
June Dillon (AON) 2155 (+22)
Michael Leahy (IFP) 1366 (+20)
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 894 (+7)
Kevin Hassett (IND) 707 (+18)
Matthew Moroney (IND) 596 (+28)
Murphy’s 464 votes distributed
+13 non transferable papers not affected
23:41 – Distribution of Paddy Murphy’s (IND) will be the final act of the count this evening. Votes to be divvied out from the count centre and not “a hot and sunny Lahinch”.
23:35 – Ben Sweeney, parliamentary assistant for Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) – “Paudie McMahon looks great, the days at Hustle Fitness are paying off”.
Photo by Joe Buckley
23:35 – Our next count (the fifth) will be the final count of the night, Returning Officer Rita Considine confirms.
23:24 – Paddy Murphy (IND) eliminated on the fourth count in Clare.
23:22 – Fourth Count
Quota: 12,182
Timmy Dooley (FF) 11355 (+15)
Cathal Crowe (FF) 8286 (+9)
Donna McGettigan (SF) 7953 (+73)
Joe Cooney (FG) 7588 (+8)
Leonora Carey (FG) 5277 (+8)
Roisin Garvey (GP) 3820 (+18)
Rita McInerney (FF) 3501 (+17)
Eddie Punch (II) 2635 (+27)
Hilary Tonge (SD) 2237 (+45)
Tom Nolan (FG) 2151 (+6)
June Dillon (AON) 2133 (+22)
Michael Leahy (IFP) 1346 (+12)
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 887 (+26)
Kevin Hassett (IND) 689 (+9)
Matthew Moroney (IND) 568 (+12)
Paddy Murphy (IND) 464 (+12)
23:18 – 842 votes needed for Senator Dooley to hit the quota.
23:11 – Still a possibility that Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) could be elected tonight, that’s on the proviso that counting continues for another two hours or so.
23:09 – Outgoing Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) with his wife Maeve and three children outside The Clare Echo’s station at the #GE24 election count.
Photo by Joe Buckley
23:03 – On The Electoral Chair, political strategist Eugene Drennan made a prediction that Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) would do well to win 10% of her vote from February 2020. He turned out to be overly generous. in his call on her vote.
22:56 – Sitting TD Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) eliminated on the third count in Clare.
22:55 – Quota: 12,182
Third Count
Timmy Dooley (FF) 11340 (+21)
Cathal Crowe (FF) 8277 (+11)
Donna McGettigan (SF) 7880 (+27)
Joe Cooney (FG) 7580 (+2)
Leonora Carey (FG) 5269 (+15)
Roisin Garvey (GP) 3802 (+21)
Rita McInerney (FF) 3484 (+9)
Eddie Punch (II) 2608 (+7)
Hilary Tonge (SD) 2192 (+23)
Tom Nolan (FG) 2145 (+4)
June Dillon (AON) 2111 (+3)
Michael Leahy (IFP) 1334 (+1)
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 861 (+26)
Kevin Hassett (IND) 680 (+5)
Matthew Moroney (IND) 556 (+13)
Paddy Murphy (IND) 452 (+4)
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 328 (+12)
208 votes distributed
4 non transferrable papers
22:39 – Cllr David Griffin (FF) tells The Clare Echo “it’s a good day all things considered for Fianna Fáil”.
22:37 – Returning Officer Rita Considine tells The Clare Echo a decision will be made following the third count on whether they will finish for the night.
22:35 – Michael Leahy (IFP) with 51 and Hilary Tonge (SD) with 25 secure the most transfers from O’Donovan and Loughrey.
22:34 – “Who are you going to co-opt onto the Council,” quips Mayor of Clare, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) to Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF).
22:33 – Amanda Major (IND) eliminated on the second count in Clare.
22:30 – Quota: 12,182
Second Count
Timmy Dooley (FF) 11319 (+6)
Cathal Crowe (FF) 8266 (+5)
Donna McGettigan (SF) 7853 (+10)
Joe Cooney (FG) 7578 (+3)
Leonora Carey (FG) 5254 (+3)
Roisin Garvey (GP) 3781 (+11)
Rita McInerney (FF) 3475 (2)
Eddie Punch (II) 2601 (+18)
Hilary Tonge (SD) 2169 (+25)
Tom Nolan (FG) 2141 (+2)
June Dillon (AON) 2108 (+9)
Michael Leahy (IFP) 1333 (+51)
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 835 (+15)
Kevin Hassett (IND) 675 (+5)
Matthew Moroney (IND) 543 (+5)
Paddy Murphy (IND) 448 (+5)
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 316 (+6)
Amanda Major (IND) 208 (+3)
188 votes distributed
4 non transferrable papers
Amanda Major (IND) eliminated.
22:19 – “It will take three or four counts to make a show of it but we’ll be back tomorrow,” Fianna Fáil stalwart Patsy O’Grady on his way home to Kilmaley.
22:12 – Some comparisons on 2020 to 2024 for #GE24 candidates in Clare.
Violet Anne Wynne (IND) -8,677
Timmy Dooley (FF) +3550
Cathal Crowe (FF) -94
Roisin Garvey (GP) -1,854
Rita McInerney (FF) -663
Michael Leahy (IFP) +578
22:07 – Some say Loughrey may have been “stitched up” by “the mainstream” in his attempts to get elected.
22:01 – Barry O’Donovan (RAB) & Michael Loughrey (IP) eliminated on the first count.
21:58 – First Count;
Timmy Dooley (FF) 11313
Cathal Crowe (FF) 8261
Donna McGettigan (SF) 7843
Joe Cooney (FG) 7575
Leonora Carey (FG) 5241
Roisin Garvey (GP) 3770
Rita McInerney (FF) 3473
Eddie Punch (II) 2583
Hilary Tonge (SD) 2144
Tom Nolan (FG) 2139
June Dillon (AON) 2099
Michael Leahy (IFP) 1282
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 820
Kevin Hassett (IND) 670
Matthew Moroney (IND) 538
Paddy Murphy (IND) 443
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 310
Amanda Major (IND) 205
Michael Loughrey (IP) 101
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 87
21:55 – Important figures to remember in Clare.
Total: 93,398
Poll: 61,366
Invalid: 459
Valid Pol: 60,907
21:46 – Potential highlight of the year for Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) who finally meets the brains behind Melody Farm Eggs, Joe and Frank Melody from Bunratty, Newmarket-on-Fergus.
21:44 – Groans from the crowd who were expecting the first count would be announced as the Returning Officer took to the floor.
21:42 – Fifteen minutes until the first count says Returning Officer, Rita Considine.
21:30 – Some campaign agents tell The Clare Echo “never again” after having to examine 700 doubtful papers.
21:10 – It’s been 48 minutes since candidates were called to look at doubtful papers.
21:08 – “She is holding very steady,” political analyst Eugene Drennan says of Cllr Donna McGettigan’s (SF) performance. He estimates there is a block of votes from the bottom ten candidates that will further help her cause for the final seat.
20:56 – Leonora Carey (FG) is projected to take 457 of Dr Tom Nolan’s (FG) transfers.
20:37 – Potential Seanad candidate Joe Melody (FG) – “there is generally a deflated atmosphere, it is a contest that has flattered to deceive, there is an air of inevitability about the results. From a Fine Gael point of view we’d be hoping Leonora could bridge the gap but there is a considerable gap to be bridged but the transfers may not go her way, we are still hopeful”.
20:33 – A sense of angst growing among the crowd as the wait lingers on for a first count.
20:30 – No big debates as spoilt votes are examined.
20:27 – Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) tells Scariff Bay he would be “very disappointed” if Fianna Fáil elect two TDs and are left without a Minister in Clare.
20:26 – Candidates in Clare and their campaign agents look at the spoilt votes with Returning Officer, Rita Considine. Notably, former Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) is among them.
20:22 – Returning Officer, Rita Considine says she is ready to adjudicate on the doubtful papers and calls on candidates/agent to come to the stage.
20:18 – Mayor of Clare, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) genuflects before Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) to congratulate him on his General Election showing. The duo have been colleagues on the Killaloe Municipal District since 2014.
20:14 – Returning Officer Rita Considine says the ruling in relation to invalid papers will take place in ten minutes.
20:11 – Candidates and their campaign managers have yet to be called up to analyse the spoiled votes.
20:10 – “It is a fantastic result for East Clare and Fianna Fáil in East Clare,” says Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF).
20:09 – Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) has arrived at the count centre.
19:55 – Matthew Moroney (IND) a first-time General Election candidate has also arrived at the count centre in Ennis.
19:50 – Senior count staff tell The Clare Echo 9pm is a conservative estimate for a first count. A lot of difficulties with spoiled votes and such a long ballot causing the delay.
19:41 – Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) is back shaking hands with his good hand after a ladder incident at the beginning of the campaign.
19:40 – “When do we go and tell them we’re going back to the 2016 arrangement of confidence and supply and they can stick their rotating Taoiseach,” Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) lays down the gauntlet on a potential coalition between Fianna Fáil & Fine Gael.
19:38 – “It is great to see the lads who put in the work getting rewarded,” ex Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) says of the expected success for Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) and Cathal Crowe TD (FF). “Cillian put in the work and didn’t get rewarded,” points out ex Mayor of Clare, Patrick Keane (FF).
19:35 – The pace at which things are moving in Clare is “very slow,” some local elected representatives are pointing out to The Clare Echo.
19:32 – “I didn’t think it was possible but it’s looking like we will elect three TDs in East Clare,” says Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF).
19:21 – Notably, Leonora Carey (FG) not expected to see a bounce from the Tonge transfers.
19:20 – What could be a pivotal distribution will be Hilary Tonge’s (SD) transfers. Early indicators are the majority of her number twos are for Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF), Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) and Caitriona Ní Cathain (SOC).
19:11 – Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) has arrived at the count centre.
19:10 – Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin (FF) elected on the first count in Cork North-Central where he has topped the poll.
19:06 – Senator Timmy Dooley is receiving plenty of well-wishes since landing at Treacy’s West County Hotel.
19:00 – Barry O’Donovan (RAB) – “I would like to thank those who did me the honour of their vote in the election. I hope that those who are elected to represent the people of Clare will show courage in addressing both the immediate, and long term challenges we face in build a fair, equitable and just society”.
18:58 – Kevin Hassett (IND) is the latest candidate to land in The West County.
18:45 – Count supervisor Kieran O’Donnell tells The Clare Echo first count at the earliest will be at 8pm. A lot of spoilt votes in Clare which will take 45 minutes at least to sort through.
18:35 – Potential of two candidates getting elected tonight is the hope of the politicos gathered in the count centre.
18:31 – More of a crowd beginning to gather in the West County. Anticipation building for the first count.
18:23 – Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) has arrived at the count centre.
18:17 – “This is cyclical,” Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) tells RTÉ and she predicts the Greens will “rise again”.
18:12 – Michael Loughrey (IP) who has polled 0.20% of the first vote in Clare as per the tallies has arrived in Treacy’s West County Hotel. He tells our reporter Páraic McMahon, “you stitched me up.. If I got elected the first thing I’d do is get you deported”.
Response from our man – “based on the figures it’s fair to say you won’t be getting elected”.
18:04 – Clare FM reporter Daragh Dolan tells The Clare Echo one of his highlights of the election is the reported 81% turnout in his native Clarecastle which he says is among the top ten in the country.
18:02 – More musings from Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) in Kilrush – ‘”I’m sitting back watching the election results and I’m taken back at the negative commentary towards some of the candidates. The reality is that the vile commentary towards candidates is one of the main reasons that people are not putting themselves forward. The people giving out and making these comments had all the opportunity to put their names forward but they didn’t bother and intact just stayed and home on their keyboards. They are even too blind to see that this commentary is partly to blame for people that might make good representatives not putting their name forward. In fact they are now part of the problem when it comes to the choices we have. Well done everyone that has put their names forward it’s not easy”.
17:58 – “Transfers are going everywhere, across parties and everything, there is no rhyme or reason to them,” comments veteran tally woman Angela Coll (FF).
17:55 – Chair of the Social Democrats branch in Clare, Fiona Levie (SD) – “for our first ever General Election, we feel we’ve made a decent showing. Hilary has finished on 2,020 as per the first tally which is 3%, our national exit poll is 5.9% but this is our first General Election in Clare so we’re very happy with 3% so far. We’re looking at ten seats nationally which is up four, our six seats are looking pretty safe with another four added on so it’s looking good for the national outlook for the party”.
17:52 – Broadford tally:
Joe Cooney (FG) 277
Timmy Dooley (FF) 94
Cathal Crowe (FF) 70
Matthew Moroney (IND) 49
Donna McGettigan (SF) 45
Eddie Punch (II) 18
Hilary Tonge (SD) 14
June Dillon (AON) 10
Michael Leahy (IFP) 9
Leonora Carey (FG) 7
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 6
Roisin Garvey (GP) 3
Kevin Hassett (IND) 1
Michael Loughrey (IP) 1
Rita McInerney (FF) 1
Tom Nolan (FG) 1
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 1
Amanda Major (IND) 0
Paddy Murphy (IND) 0
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 0
17:48 – Crowds waiting anxiously in the West County for a first count. Another while to go.
17:44 – Votes have been sorted, counting continues in Ennis.
17:37 – Moy tally
Timmy Dooley (FF) 50
Roisin Garvey (GP) 38
Joe Cooney (FG) 27
Eddie Punch (II) 22
Paddy Murphy (IND) 18
Rita McInerney (FF) 13
Donna McGettigan (SF) 11
Hilary Tonge (SD) 10
Cathal Crowe (FF) 9
Leonora Carey (FG) 7
June Dillon (AON) 7
Michael Leahy (IFP) 4
Tom Nolan (FG) 4
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 2
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 2
Kevin Hassett (IND) 1
Michael Loughrey (IP) 0
Amanda Major (IND) 0
Matthew Moroney (IND) 0
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 0
17:28 – Former Clare TD, Madeline Taylor-Quinn tells The Clare Echo, “There’s a lot of counting to be done yet, a lot of votes to transfer, the final seat is no foregone conclusion”.
17:26 – Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) – “I think Sinn Féin are doing very well nationally and Donna is sitting in the best position for the fourth seat. It’s all down to transfers now”.
17:22 – As is evident from the tallies, the North Clare input of Senator Timmy Dooley’s (FF) campaign manager Martin O’Loghlen central to his strong showing.
17:20 – Kilrush based, Cllr Ian Lynch has been following the coverage at home. “Christmas tree has to be put up. Thank God for The Clare Echo coverage. I will see ye later. Transfer watching might through a surprise yet”. We expect Ian is having Melody’s Eggs for the dinner!
17:16 – New Quay tally:
Timmy Dooley (FF) 102
Leonora Carey (FG) 59
Roisin Garvey (GP) 39
Joe Cooney (FG) 36
Donna McGettigan (SF) 33
Cathal Crowe (FF) 26
Eddie Punch (II) 19
June Dillon (AON) 11
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 11
Tom Nolan (FG) 10
Hilary Tonge (SD) 10
Rita McInerney (FF) 9
Michael Leahy (IFP) 3
Michael Loughrey (IP) 3
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 2
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 2
Amanda Major (IND) 1
Matthew Moroney (IND) 1
Paddy Murphy (IND) 1
Kevin Hassett (IND) 0
17:10 – In Dun Laoghaire, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (FG) becomes the first TD elected, receiving 11,685 first preference votes.
17:08 – Ruan tally:
Timmy Dooley (FF) 92
Leonora Carey (FG) 65
Joe Cooney (FG) 54
Cathal Crowe (FF) 52
Donna McGettigan (SF) 47
Eddie Punch (II) 29
Roisin Garvey (GP) 25
Hilary Tonge (SD) 13
June Dillon (AON) 12
Rita McInerney (FF) 10
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 4
Tom Nolan (FG) 4
Kevin Hassett (IND) 2
Michael Leahy (IFP) 2
Michael Loughrey (IP) 0
Amanda Major (IND) 0
Matthew Moroney (IND) 0
Paddy Murphy (IND) 0
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 0
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 0
17:02 – Toonagh tally:
Timmy Dooley (FF) 51
Joe Cooney (FG) 30
Leonora Carey (FG) 26
Roisin Garvey (GP) 22
Donna McGettigan (SF) 17
Eddie Punch (II) 14
Michael Leahy (IFP) 11
Hilary Tonge (SD) 11
Cathal Crowe (FF) 10
June Dillon (AON) 7
Rita McInerney (FF) 5
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 5
Kevin Hassett (IND) 2
Tom Nolan (FG) 2
Michael Loughrey (IP) 1
Paddy Murphy (IND) 1
Amanda Major (IND) 0
Matthew Moroney (IND) 0
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 0
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 0
16:54 – Tubber tally:
Joe Cooney (FG) 46
Timmy Dooley (FF) 37
Cathal Crowe (FF) 21
Rita McInerney (FF) 20
Leonora Carey (FG) 19
Roisin Garvey (GP) 18
Donna McGettigan (SF) 16
Hilary Tonge (SD) 9
Eddie Punch (II) 7
June Dillon (AON) 4
Michael Leahy (IFP) 1
Matthew Moroney (IND) 1
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 1
Tom Nolan (FG) 1
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 1
Kevin Hassett (IND) 0
Michael Loughrey (IP) 0
Amanda Major (IND) 0
Paddy Murphy (IND) 0
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 0
16:53 – As we wait for the first count, some of the tally results per area.
16:51 – Supervising staff expect it will be after 6pm for the first count.
16:40 – “Are there no taxis in this God forsaken town,” remarks Ellen Gough of ClareLive as she returns to the count centre. a lot less dryer than when she left.
16:38 – “The count is going on.. The goal is to get to day two.. Outside of immediate family I can’t think of who voted for me,” says Paddy Murphy (IND).
16:35 – Our election coverage is brought to you in association with OneBill.ie – Simplifying Utilities Maximising Savings.
16:15 – “We ran a good campaign, we thank everyone for voting Sinn Féin, putting their trust in Donna and hopefully the transfers will carry us across the line,” says Billy Austin (SF) campaign manager of Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF).
15:57 – Hilary Tonge (SD) tells The Clare Echo she is very happy with her showing in #GE24. She was the first Social Democrat candidate in Clare for a General Election. Tallies show her on 2,020 first preferences.
15:42 – Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) may be elected on the second count, some of his supporters believe.
15:28 – “Our message doesn’t seem to be getting through,” Michael Leahy (IFP) gives his reaction to his performance. He looks to have increased his vote on 2020 but not enough to be in contention.
15:16 – Eddie Punch (II) says he is “very disappointed” with the outcome, tallies suggest he will poll under 3,000 first preferences. He received just over 20,000 in Ireland South in June for the European elections.
15:03 – “We’re not dead yet,” Director of Elections, Geraldine Gregan (FG) remarks of the chances of Fine Gael electing two TDs.
14:55 – Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) gives his views to The Clare Echo, “It is something out in the ground that we felt would happen, the most important areas I felt were Barefield, Kilmaley and Newmarket-on-Fergus, the areas with the big blocks of vote in the county and Timmy Dooley was getting a great reception. It is remarkable like Bill Loughnane that Timmy won the most of the boxes in North Clare, it’s been a big campaign, a lot of work went into that, it’s not over yet but he’s the only seat certain. You’re looking at Cathal Crowe and Joe Cooney too with Sinn Fein potentially in the mix for the final seat, Donna McGettigan’s done remarkable to get 55 votes in a place like Feakle which is substantial, it is an anti-Government vote. The way it is lining out now is probably how it will finish out”.
14:35 – Tally of all boxes completed.
Timmy Dooley (FF) 11041
Cathal Crowe (FF) 8264
Joe Cooney (FG) 7636
Donna McGettigan (SF) 7509
Leonora Carey (FG) 5228
Roisin Garvey (GP) 3636
Rita McInerney (FF) 3469
Eddie Punch (II) 2492
June Dillon (AON) 2347
Tom Nolan (FG) 2139
Hilary Tonge (SD) 2020
Michael Leahy (IFP) 1204
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 784
Kevin Hassett (IND) 713
Matthew Moroney (IND) 528
Paddy Murphy (IND) 453
Amanda Major (IND) 330
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 286
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 0.26%
Michael Loughrey (IP) 0.20%
14:31 – Count supervisor Kieran O’Donnell tells The Clare Echo the quota will likely be over 12,000. The figure will be finalised after all spoilt votes have been analysed.
14:26 – Nationally Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly (FF) and Minister for Media, Catherine Martin (GP) are struggling to retain their seats.
14:21 – Order as per the latest tally, Dooley (FF), Crowe (FF), Cooney (FG), McGettigan (SF), Carey (FG), Garvey (GP), McInerney (FF), Punch (II), Dillon (AON), Nolan (FG).
14:19 – An “abnormal” amount of Donna McGettigan’s (SF) number one votes in Shannon were marked as number two for Leonora Carey (FG) remark members of the Carey tallying team.
14:16 – Boxes tallied 168/180 – 93%
Timmy Dooley (FF) 10173
Cathal Crowe (FF) 7572
Joe Cooney (FG) 7258
Donna McGettigan (SF) 6867
Leonora Carey (FG) 4562
Roisin Garvey (GP) 3404
Rita McInerney (FF) 3299
Eddie Punch (II) 2304
June Dillon (AON) 2195
Tom Nolan (FG) 2058
Hilary Tonge (SD) 1851
Michael Leahy (IFP) 1114
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 745
Kevin Hassett (IND) 677
Matthew Moroney (IND) 515
Paddy Murphy (IND) 437
Amanda Major (IND) 319
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 272
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 0.28%
Michael Loughrey (IP) 0.19%
14:08 – “It’s Carey versus Donna for the last seat,” predicts ex Mayor of Clare, Patricia McCarthy (IND). “At the moment there’s five for four seats, take the figures the two closest at the moment, Donna is ahead of Leonora so I reckon that is where it is going to be but there are a lot of transfers, Cathal has passed out Joe Cooney and Donna but Joe Cooney is likely to stay ahead of Donna. There’s about 16,000 votes that will have to be transferred from eliminations”.
14:06 – We’re almost there with the final tallies in Clare.
14:04 – “It is going to be neck and neck between Cathal and Joe,” Fianna Fáil observers analysing the tallies.
14:01 – Outgoing TD Cathal Crowe (FF) overtakes Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) into second spot. Fellow outgoing TD, Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) is in third last of the 20 candidates in Clare.
13:57 – 88% of boxes tallied:
Timmy Dooley (FF) 9784
Cathal Crowe (FF) 7109
Joe Cooney (FG) 6924
Donna McGettigan (SF) 6297
Leonora Carey (FG) 4278
Rita McInerney (FF) 3231
Roisin Garvey (GP) 3209
Eddie Punch (II) 2160
June Dillon (AON) 2123
Tom Nolan (FG) 2020
Hilary Tonge (SD) 1752
Michael Leahy (IFP) 1045
Kevin Hassett (IND) 658
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 715
Matthew Moroney (IND) 494
Paddy Murphy (IND) 383
Amanda Major (IND) 310
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 262
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 154
Michael Loughrey (IP) 0.19%
13:45 – Officials aiming for a first count but 6pm but issue a health warning that this is best case scenario.
13:44 – “Sinn Féin are more transfer friendly now,” says former Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) who predicts Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) will prevail alongside two Fianna Fáil candidates and Cllr Joe Cooney (FG).
13:40 – Caitríona Ní Cathain (SOC) has arrived in the count centre.
13:35 -69% of boxes tallied:
Timmy Dooley (FF) 8089
Joe Cooney (FG) 5267
Donna McGettigan (SF) 4803
Cathal Crowe (FF) 4243
Leonora Carey (FG) 3396
Rita McInerney (FF) 2522
Roisin Garvey (GP) 2571
Tom Nolan (FG) 1718
Eddie Punch (II) 1558
Hilary Tonge (SD) 1379
June Dillon (AON) 1435
Michael Leahy (IFP) 873
Kevin Hassett (IND) 540
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 563
Matthew Moroney (IND) 433
Paddy Murphy (IND) 304
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 214
Amanda Major (IND) 0.35%
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 0.20%
Michael Loughrey (IP) 0.15%
13:18 – Most of the tallying appears to be completed. We’ll continue to update figures as we get them.
13:17 – Drumbiggle Tally:
Timmy Dooley (FF) 387
Donna McGettigan (SF) 272
Leonora Carey (FG) 230
Cathal Crowe (FF) 204
Roisin Garvey (GP) 155
Joe Cooney (FG) 107
Hilary Tonge (SD) 74
Rita McInerney (FF) 69
June Dillon (AON) 55
Michael Leahy (IFP) 51
Tom Nolan (FG) 46
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 39
Eddie Punch (II) 34
Amanda Major (IND) 20
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 17
Kevin Hassett (IND) 7
Paddy Murphy (IND) 6
Michael Loughrey (IP) 5
Matthew Moroney (IND) 4
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 4
13:07 – “I’m delighted for Timmy and his family, it is testament to the work he has done over the last five years. To his canvass team, it’s been a massive bounce from five years ago,” says Aidan White (FF) a long-term canvasser of Dooleys.
12:58 – “He’s passed up the offer of a Celebration, he’s watching his figure,” Scariff Bay’s David Fleming remarks as Páraic McMahon finishes his update. McMahon sadly had to sacrifice Saturday morning Reformer Pilates at Physio Reformer Room to attend the count!
12:55 – 52% of boxes tallied:
Timmy Dooley (FF) 6344
Joe Cooney (FG) 4366
Donna McGettigan (SF) 3571
Cathal Crowe (FF) 3230
Leonora Carey (FG) 2568
Rita McInerney (FF) 1873
Roisin Garvey (GP) 1846
Tom Nolan (FG) 1274
Eddie Punch (II) 1157
Hilary Tonge (SD) 1106
June Dillon (AON) 1018
Michael Leahy (IFP) 668
Kevin Hassett (IND) 444
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 373
Matthew Moroney (IND) 362
Paddy Murphy (IND) 178
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 162
Amanda Major (IND) 0.34%
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 0.24%
Michael Loughrey (IP) 0.15%
12:45 – Role of social media in elections being discussed on Scariff Bay. Did it influence how you voted?
12:25 – “Ah Deputy, you’ve done very well, congratulations,” Cllr David Griffin (FF) greets Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) as he arrives at the #GE24 count centre in Clare.
12:23 – We’re heading over to join Scariff Bay Community Radio to give an update on air.
12:21 – 45% of boxes tallied:
Timmy Dooley (FF) 5307
Joe Cooney (FG) 3821
Donna McGettigan (SF) 2704
Cathal Crowe (FF) 2224
Leonora Carey (FG) 1968
Roisin Garvey (GP) 1508
Rita McInerney (FF) 1757
Tom Nolan (FG) 1162
Hilary Tonge (SD) 876
Eddie Punch (II) 863
June Dillon (AON) 820
Michael Leahy (IFP) 488
Kevin Hassett (IND) 421
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 373
Matthew Moroney (IND) 316
Paddy Murphy (IND) 147
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 139
Amanda Major (IND) 0.30%
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 0.27%
Michael Loughrey (IP) 0.15%
12:14 – “Hit the big fella at the start. Oh I’d say it was worth 1000 votes to him,” Ronan Daly (FF) son of former Clare TD Brendan Daly (FF) references tricky questions put to Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) on The Electoral Chair: Election Debate.
12:06 – “At the moment you would think Joe Cooney and Timmy Dooley will be well ahead, the next two I think will be Donna McGettigan and Cathal Crowe. The question is how the big the gap will be to the fifth candidate. The indications are Leonora Carey will be very close to those two, it depends on how she performs in South East Clare and Shannon which is largely out at the moment. Roisin Garvey is near to her but it is hard to see anyone else coming out from the rest,” observes former Clare TD, Tony Killeen (FF) to The Clare Echo.
12:04 – 39% of boxes tallied:
Timmy Dooley (FF) 4424
Joe Cooney (FG) 3098
Donna McGettigan (SF) 2258
Cathal Crowe (FF) 1903
Leonora Carey (FG) 1747
Roisin Garvey (GP) 1370
Rita McInerney (FF) 1540
Tom Nolan (FG) 1101
Hilary Tonge (SD) 752
Eddie Punch (II) 745
June Dillon (AON) 692
Michael Leahy (IFP) 438
Kevin Hassett (IND) 390
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 338
Matthew Moroney (IND) 292
Paddy Murphy (IND) 133
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 120
Amanda Major (IND) 0.31%
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 0.27%
Michael Loughrey (IP) 0.16%
11:54 – Of the early tallies, ex county councillor Patricia McCarthy (IND) says “Look at those figures for the first count, if that momentum is maintained, you will have four or five figures punching and transfers will be crucial, you will have Donna McGettigan, Roisin Garvey, Leonora Carey and Rita McInerney in contention”.
11:46 – Tallies from the postal vote.
Timmy Dooley (FF) 99
Cathal Crowe (FF) 84
Leonora Carey (FG) 58
Rita McInerney (FF) 46
Joe Cooney (FG) 45
June Dillon (AON) 44
Donna McGettigan (SF) 34
Tom Nolan (FG) 27
Roisin Garvey (GP) 19
Hilary Tonge (SD) 14
Eddie Punch (II) 10
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 5
Kevin Hassett (IND) 3
Michael Leahy (IFP) 2
Paddy Murphy (IND) 2
Amanda Major (IND) 1
Matthew Moroney (IND) 1
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 1
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 1
Michael Loughrey (IP) 0
11:39 – “Dooley is back with a bang,” says former Cllr Paul Bugler (FG). He suggests the Senator could get elected on the first count.
11:31 – “I think Joe Cooney and Timmy Dooley will take the first two seats, in what order I don’t know. Cathal Crowe for the third with Leonora Carey and Donna McGettigan in the battle for the fourth seat as figures stand,” – Sean Chambers (FG) tally co-ordinator for Fine Gael.
11:29 – Another Fine Gael tally person points out ‘Donna McGettigan (SF) is getting a lot of first preferences but not many transfers’.
11:24 – Wth 56 of 180 boxes tallied (31%), here’s the breakdown in Clare:
Timmy Dooley (FF) 3740
Joe Cooney (FG) 2861
Donna McGettigan (SF) 1921
Cathal Crowe (FF) 1515
Rita McInerney (FF) 1230
Leonora Carey (FG) 1198
Roisin Garvey (GP) 1092
Tom Nolan (FG) 817
Hilary Tonge (SD) 626
Eddie Punch (II) 625
June Dillon (AON) 564
Michael Leahy (IFP) 360
Kevin Hassett (IND) 294
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 293
Matthew Moroney (IND) 284
Paddy Murphy (IND) 117
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 96
Amanda Major (IND) 59
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 37
Michael Loughrey (IP) 32
11:20 – Observation from one Fine Gael tally woman, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) not picking up too many transfers and Senator Timmy Dooley’s (FF) transfers won’t show too much of a benefit for Cathal Crowe TD (FF).
11:19 – Eddie Punch (II) is the second candidate to have arrived in the count centre.
11:08 – “There’s 40 boxes to be opened, it’s still early to call but the front runners are looking like they will do well but the transfers will decide it all,” says former Mayor of Clare, Patricia McCarthy (IND).
10:55 – “There’s feasibly six candidates in the race with Timmy Dooley and Joe Cooney currently looking good for seats. A strong performance by Donna McGettigan & Cathal Crowe. Rita McInerney & Leonora Carey also in contention,” says PR guru Mark Dunphy.
10:48 – “Too close to call,” says Aidan White (FF) on who is going to prevail in Clare.
10:45 -“My prediction is two Fianna Fáil, one Fine Gael, and one Sinn Féin, not expecting any major political upset at this stage. The Shannon boxes haven’t been opened so far so Donna will romp ahead once they are opened. It is an interesting one and in line with the exit polls we saw last night,” observes Cllr Mary Howard (FG) to The Clare Echo.
10:40 – 37 of 180 boxes tallied.
10:28 – O’Callaghans Mills tally:
Joe Cooney (FG) 269
Timmy Dooley (FF) 29
Eddie Punch (II) 15
Donna McGettigan (SF) 10
Cathal Crowe (FF) 9
June Dillon (AON) 7
Roisin Garvey (GP) 6
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 6
Matthew Moroney (IND) 5
Hilary Tonge (SD) 4
Leonora Carey (FG) 3
Rita McInerney (FF) 3
Michael Leahy (IFP) 3
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 2
Paddy Murphy (IND) 1
Kevin Hassett (IND) 0
Michael Loughrey (IP) 0
Amanda Major (IND) 0
Tom Nolan (FG) 0
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 0
10:22 – Early projections suggesting Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) is the most likely poll-topper in Clare while Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) also polling very well countywide.
10:18 – Feakle tally:
Joe Cooney (FG) 212
Timmy Dooley (FF) 122
Donna McGettigan (SF) 53
Roisin Garvey (GP) 31
Hilary Tonge (SD) 24
Eddie Punch (II) 17
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 14
June Dillon (AON) 11
Matthew Moroney (IND) 10
Leonora Carey (FG) 5
Cathal Crowe (FF) 5
Michael Leahy (IFP) 4
Amanda Major (IND) 4
Paddy Murphy (IND) 3
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 3
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 3
Kevin Hassett (IND) 0
Michael Loughrey (IP) 0
Rita McInerney (FF) 0
Tom Nolan (FG) 0
10:11 – Bodyke Tally:
Joe Cooney (FG) 229
Timmy Dooley (FF) 43
Hilary Tonge (SD) 13
Leonora Carey (FG) 11
June Dillon (AON) 11
Cathal Crowe (FF) 10
Roisin Garvey (GP) 8
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 8
Donna McGettigan (SF) 6
Matthew Moroney (IND) 6
Eddie Punch (II) 5
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 2
Michael Leahy (IFP) 1
Michael Loughrey (IP) 1
Rita McInerney (FF) 1
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 1
Kevin Hassett (IND) 0
Amanda Major (IND) 0
Paddy Murphy (IND) 0
Tom Nolan (FG) 0
10:05 – Annaghneal Community Centre tally:
Joe Cooney (FG) 113
Timmy Dooley (FF) 44
Cathal Crowe (FF) 10
Roisin Garvey (GP) 6
Eddie Punch (II) 5
Leonora Carey (FG) 4
Donna McGettigan (SF) 4
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 4
Hilary Tonge (SD) 4
Michael Leahy (IFP) 3
June Dillon (AON) 2
Rita McInerney (FF) 1
Paddy Murphy (IND) 1
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 1
Matthew Moroney (IND) 0
Kevin Hassett (IND) 0
Michael Loughrey (IP) 0
Amanda Major (IND) 0
Tom Nolan (FG) 0
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 0
09:53 – One box from Kilmaley tally:
Timmy Dooley (FF) 84
Donna McGettigan (SF) 46
Leonora Carey (FG) 27
Cathal Crowe (FF) 27
Joe Cooney (FG) 18
Rita McInerney (FF) 17
Michael Leahy (IFP) 10
Eddie Punch (II) 9
Roisin Garvey (GP) 8
Hilary Tonge (SD) 7
Kevin Hassett (IND) 6
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 4
Tom Nolan (FG) 4
Matthew Moroney (IND) 3
June Dillon (AON) 2
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 2
Michael Loughrey (IP) 1
Amanda Major (IND) 1
Paddy Murphy (IND) 1
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 1
09:46 – One Lisdoonvarna box tallied:
Timmy Dooley (FF) 57
Cathal Crowe (FF) 29
Joe Cooney (FG) 26
Donna McGettigan (SF) 24
Roisin Garvey (GP) 19
Leonora Carey (FG) 15
Eddie Punch (II) 12
Rita McInerney (FF) 9
June Dillon (AON) 8
Michael Leahy (IFP) 6
Hilary Tonge (SD) 6
Kevin Hassett (IND) 3
Paddy Murphy (IND) 3
Tom Nolan (FG) 3
Catriona Ni Chatháin (SOC) 2
Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) 2
Amanda Major (IND) 1
Matthew Moroney (IND) 1
Michael Loughrey (IP) 0
Barry O’Donovan (RAB) 0
09:30 – Observations from one Fianna Fáil stalwart, “from what I’ve seen Cathal Crowe is nowhere and Donna McGettigan is flying it”.
09:29 – Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) the early leader from tallies for The Holy Family in Ennis.
09:28 – Polling well in the initial tallies for Drumbiggle in Ennis is Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF).
09:24 – Tulla appears to be evenly split from the early stages between Senator Dooley and Cllr Cooney.
09:23 – In his native O’Callaghans Mills, Cllr Joe Coney (FG) is well out on top.
09:22 – Top three as per Whitegate initial tally, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG), Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) and Senator Roisin Garvey (GP).
09:20 – As per the Bodyke tally, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) is the clear leader.
09:18 – In Ogonnelloe, both Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) and Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) are leading the way.
09:15 – Top three from the early stages of the Flagmount tally are Senator Timmy Dooley (FF), Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) and Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF).
09:12 – From the Ennis CBS tallies, Senator Timmy Dooley (FF), Cathal Crowe TD (FF) and Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) polling well.
09:09 – Early tallies have Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) doing very well in Killaloe.
08:59 – Donna’s former colleague in the Shannon Municipal District, former county councillor Gerry Flynn (IND) is among those keeping an eye on the counting.
08:58 – First candidate to arrive is Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF).
08:54 – “Have your passes in your hands,” tells Sean Chambers (FG) as the tally men and women enter the arena.
08:51 – There are a total of 58 counters on duty. Expected that between them, they will be working on six boxes between them all.
08:45 – Counters have assembled into their position. Tally men and women will be let into the count centre from 09:00.
08:42 – Counting staff have been divided into their pairs and are almost set to assume their positions.
08:38 – Returning Officer Rita Considine has addressed counting staff in Treacy’s West County Hotel.
08:30 – Good morning from Treacy’s West County Hotel. Páraic McMahon with you for the next two days as counting commences to find out what way Clare voted.
