Sorting of Galway West votes got under in the Galway Lawn Tennis Club in Salthill at 9.05am.

Tallymen from all parties are tallying the votes, which will give an estimate of first preferences.

Official counting is not expected to get underway until this afternoon.

There 196 ballot boxes from polling stations across Galway West, a diverse constituency that stretches from Claregalway, Carnmore and Oranmore in the east, Galway City, Connemara, the Aran Islands and Inishbofin.

There are five seats to fill, and 17 candidates.

Sitting TDs include Catherine Connolly (Ind), Noel Grealish (Ind), Hildegarde Naughten (FG) and Mairéad Farrell (SF).

Fianna Fáil’s Éamon Ó Cuív has retired, and this is the first time since the late 1980s the Ó Cuív name hasn’t appeared on the ballot.

City Councillor John Connolly and broadcaster Gráinne Seoige are attempting to retain the seat.

Noel Thomas (Ind Ire), and Senators Sean Kyne (FG) Pauline O’Reilly (Green) are also in the hunt for a seat.