By Dara Bradley

Seven candidates are in the running for five seats in Galway West, as counting gets underway in Galway Lawn Tennis club Salthill.

A final incomplete tally – of 96% of boxes – shows Mairéad Farrell should top the poll with 13% of first preferences.

In a packed field, she is followed by Noel Grealish (Ind) 12%, John Connolly (FF) 12%, Catherine Connolly (Ind) 11%, Noel Thomas (Ind Ire) 10%, and two Fine Gael runners, Hildegarde Naughton 10% and Sean Kyne 9%.

The race will be decided by transfers from Gráinne Seoige (FF) 5%; Eibhlín Seoighthe (Soc Dem) 4%; Helen Ogbu (Labour) 3%; Senator Pauline O’Reilly (Green) 3%; and Mike Cubbard (Ind) 3%., Padraig Lenihan (Aontú) 2%; AJ Cahill (The Irish People) 1%; Maisie McMaster (PBP) 2%; Doran McMahon (Irish Freedom Party) 1%; and Patrick Feeney (ind) 0%.

A first count is not expected until later this evening.