IN PICTURES: Celebrations following historic election of John Moran as Mayor of Limerick

LTHERE were celebrations at Limerick Racecourse, Patrickswell this Tuesday evening following the announcement that John Moran had been elected as the first directly-elected Mayor of Limerick.

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Mr Moran topped the poll and maintained his lead over his closest rival, Helen O'Donnell, throughout the count which began at 9am on Monday.

There were emotional scenes at the count centre when the official declaration was made by returning officer, Caroline Curley shortly before 5.30pm.

The former secretary general of the Department of Finance will officially take up the role later this week, ahead of first AGM of the newly-elected council, which will take place on June 21.

READ ALSO: John Moran - 'Limerick is uniting as one'

Mr Moran was joined by family, friends and supporters in the Tote Hall of Limerick Racecourse for the announcement following the twelfth and

See this week's Limerick Leader, broadsheet edition, for full coverage and analysis of both the local elections and the mayoral election - on sale from Wednesday.