Councillor Noel Thomas will top the poll in Conamara South, taking 14.4% of first preferences according to the final tallies.

The Independent Ireland candidate, who defected from Fianna Fáil, will be elected ahead of Fine Gael’s Pádraig Joe Joe Mac an Iomaire, who polled at 14%.

Republican Sinn Féin County Councillor Tomas Ó Curraoin looks set for a fourth term on the Council, with 10.5% of first preferences in this five seater.

There are three Fianna Fáil candidates running neck and neck – Daragh Ó Tuairisg (9.1%), Máirtín Lee (8.5%), and sitting councillor Daithí Ó Cualáin (8.2%).

The second Independent Ireland candidate Michael Leainde has polled strongly on 7.2%.

Sinn Féin’s Kevin O’Hara will be disappointed with his 6.6% first preference votes – but could still be in contention for a final seat.

Green Party Council Alastair McKinstry is under pressure to hold on, based on his 6.4% in the tallies.

Transfers of three independents, PJ Ó Flatharta 4.2%, Sinead O’Brien (4.2) and Michael Curran (4.2%) will prove crucial in the scramble for the final seats.

Caption: Councillor Noel Thomas, former Fianna Fáil now Independent Ireland, will top the poll in Conamara South, according to tallies.

Keep up to date on the local elections with www.connachttribune.ie and get full analysis in this Thursday’s paper.