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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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COUNTING in the historic election for Limerick’s first executive mayor is expected to get under way today.
Tallies compiled at Limerick Racecourse on Saturday suggest the former secretary general at the Department of Finance, John Moran, will be way out in front when the first preference vote is announced today.
Mr Moran looked to be picking up first preferences in healthy numbers across the city and county as the mayoral election papers emerged from ballot boxes on Saturday.
With all but a small number of boxes opened on Saturday - these were not available - Mr Moran had a commanding lead over his nearest rival, according to the tallies. He had polled 16,855, the tallies suggested, and was sitting on 24% of the vote.
This put him 5,100 votes in front of businesswoman Helen O’Donnell who had polled an estimated 11,755 votes and stood at 16% of the poll, according to tallies.
Former Chamber boss Dee Ryan, representing Fianna Fail, was in third place with a vote of 10,315. Fourth was Fine Gael Cllr Daniel Butler, with 8,966, with Sinn Fein TD Maurice Quinlivan fifth on 7,448.
Independent councillor Frankie Daly was next, according to the tally, with a first preference vote of 4,193. He was followed by Aontu’s Sarah Beasley, who had a projected first preference vote of 2,378.
Green TD Brian Leddin, was showing 2,103 firsts.
While Mr Moran has a strong lead according to tallies, he could still be overtaken on transfers from other candidates as they’re eliminated.
Mr Moran was present in the count centre on Saturday for a number of hours. It's understood he removed some of his posters on Saturday morning.
When approached by the Leader in the restaurant at the Limerick Racecourse, at around 3pm on Saturday, Mr Moran - who grew up on the family farm in Mungret/Patrickswell and now resides in Raheen - declined to speak to the press.
“I'll be here on Monday. Today is the day for the councillors,” he said.
Mr Moran arrived back at the count centre at 8pm on Sunday night.
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