Limerick mayoral race: And then there were two...
Twelfth and final count is now underway
IT'S DOWN to the final two in the race to become the first directly elected mayor of Limerick - John Moran and Helen O'Donnell.
Mr Moran has increased his lead in first place with 24,958 votes. He has an advantage of 5,605 votes over Ms O'Donnell.
Barring a shock similar to Devon Loch's never-to-be-forgotten bellyflop before the finishing line in the Grand National in 1956 - which would be appropriate considering we are in Limerick Racecourse - Mr Moran will make history and becomes the first ever directly elected mayor of Limerick.
Fianna Fail's Dee Ryan was eliminated at the 11th count. The former Limerick Chamber boss exited the race with 18,875 votes.
Finishing third in the inaugural contest, she was only 478 votes behind businesswoman Helen O'Donnell in second place.
Minister of State Niall Collins said Ms Ryan put in a “phenomenal performance”.
"She was new to politics, as a first time candidate, and she campaigned really, really strongly and progressively.
"I think that she really has a bright future on the political landscape and within Fianna Fáil," said Mr Collins.
Ms Ryan's vote of 18,875 will now be distributed.