European election 2024 – Ireland South: Mick Wallace in fight for seat as Sean Kelly and Billy Kelleher in strong positions

Counting is ongoing at the Nemo Rangers GAA complex in Cork with over 600,000 ballot papers being checked.

Early counting indicated that outgoing MEPs Sean Kelly and Billy Kelleher are set to be comfortably reelected.

Boxes opened so far have shown strong polling for both Mr Kelly, a former GAA President and Fine Gael MEP, as well as for Billy Kelleher, a former Junior Minister and Fianna Fail MEP.

With over 600,000 votes to be counted and 23 candidates on the ballot paper, a first count had been hoped for by midnight but may not now be announced until Monday morning.

Elections 2024 analysis with Kevin Doyle and Jody Corcoran

The final three seats are expected to be decided in a tight battle between Sinn Fein’s Kathleen Funchion, Independents Mick Wallace and Michael McNamara as well as outgoing Green Party MEP Grace O’Sullivan.

Early indications are that the Green Party politician is lagging behind her rivals on first preference votes and potential transfers.

One of the first candidates to visit the Ireland South count centre at Nemo Rangers GAA club in Cork today was Ireland First President Derek Blighe.

Mr Blighe, an anti-immigration activist, contested both the Cork Co Council and European Parliament elections.

He visited the centre with family and supporters and viewed the counting of ballots.

Tallies indicated he is unlikely to be elected in either election.

Other politicians expected to visit the count centre later today are Billy Kelleher, Grace O’Sullivan and Sean Kelly.