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.