European Elections 2024: First count result for Ireland South expected this afternoon

The count is back underway at Nemo Rangers GAA club in Cork for the European Parliament elections.

A first count result will be announced by 4pm this Monday, June 10.

Tallies are predicting good odds for sitting MEP Sean Kelly, who is likely to get back in on this first count.

It may be some time though before we see any candidates elected, as there are around 715,000 ballot papers to be counted here, according to returning officer Martin Harvey.

The sheer size of the ballot papers themselves, listing 23 candidates, also has an impact on how long this count will take.

His fellow MEP and candidate Billy Kelleher should retain his seat too, while Clare's Independent TD Michael McNamara looks to take the third seat.

Limerick's Paul Gavan seems to have conceded defeat to his Sinn Fein colleague, Carlow–Kilkenny TD Kathleen Function, who looks like she could take a fourth or fifth seat.

Speaking in Limerick late Sunday night following his wife Ursula's election to the City East electoral area, he said that "looking at the situation realistically", Kathleen would take a seat ahead of him.

"I really want to see Kathleen elected, and if I can play a small part in making that happen, I'll be very proud to do that," he continued.

Also looking like they have a chance for those last two seats are Cynthia Ní Mhurchú of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael’s John Mullins and sitting MEPs Grace O’Sullivan and Mick Wallace.