Voting closes in historic first Limerick directly elected mayor contest
Weekend of high political drama expected as ballot boxes transferred to count centre
THE POLLS have closed in the historic first ever election of an executive mayor for Limerick.
The electorate in Limerick and across Ireland have also been having their say in the local council elections and the contest for the European Parliament.
A weekend of high political drama is now expected at Limerick Racecourse, as ballot boxes from 280 polling stations across the city and county are transferred to the Patrickswell venue, where they will remain under surveillance overnight.
Boxes will be opened on tomorrow, Saturday at 9am. Ballot papers will be separated, with European election ballot papers being transferred to Cork - where counting commences on Monday - and votes for the mayoral election separated from the council votes.
At this time, tallies will take place which may give a good indication of which way the polls have gone locally.
Council results are expected to trickle in throughout Saturday evening and into Sunday. A full picture of how the next local authority will look is expected by late on Sunday night.
Then on Monday morning, the count for the historic election of Limerick's first directly elected mayor is expected to get under way. A result in this count is expected that evening.
Limerick Live will be providing extensive coverage online from tomorrow morning, including a dedicated live blog on our web site, www.limericklive.ie
Our live blog kicks off at 12noon on Saturday from Limerick count centre.
Despite a slow start this Friday, turnout climbed above 50% in some parts of Limerick by the evening-time.
At St Paul's National School in Dooradoyle, turnout was at 50% by 9.30pm.
In Kilmallock National School, turnout was reported at 50% by eight o'clock this evening.
On the city's northside, turnout was reported at 55% at one box in John F Kennedy National School at Ennis Road.
RTE's Mid-Western correspondent Cathy Halloran reported one booth at the same polling station showed a massive 75% voter turnout.
Nearby, Caherdavin Girls School saw a turnout of 41%.
St Brigid's National School had a 46% turnout, and at the Gaelscoil in Castletroy, the turnout was 53%.
Corpus Christi School in Moyross was showing a 33% turnout at around seven o'clock this evening.
And in the city centre, the polling station of St Michael's National School saw up to 40% of those eligible to vote in one box coming out.
According to mayoral election candidate, Cllr Daniel Butler, one box at St Nessan's School in Mungret showed a 58% turnout, one of the highest recorded across the city.
In Co Limerick, Ms Halloran also reported, voter turnout is at 48% in Bruff and 39% out in Newcastle West.
As polls closed, another outgoing councillor, Dan McSweeney, who is hoping to retain his seat in City West, reported highs of 61% turnout in Patrickswell National School, and 65% at Ballybrown National School.
Elsewhere, Independent mayoral election candidate Helen O'Donnell remains favourite with Boyle Sports to land the historic role.
In fact, the three favourites according to the bookmaker were all Independent candidates.
Ms O'Donnell was odds on at 4/6, followed by John Moran, who has odds of 6/5. Cllr Frankie Daly has also been backed into third place at 4/1.
Former Chamber boss Dee Ryan, Fianna Fail, has odds of 9/4, followed by Fine Gael's Daniel Butler, at 12/1.
For a full list of all the candidates contesting the local and mayoral election in Limerick, click here
(Additional tally information from Limerick Live team)