INDEPENDENT councillor Brigid Teefy has topped the poll in the Cappamore-Kilmallock area and told Limerick Live it will take time for the good news to sink in and that she still can't really believe it.
The quota was 2,053 and Cllr Teefy ended up with 2,672 votes.
Her surplus 619 votes will be distributed in the next count, which has been adjourned until tomorrow morning.
Speaking to Limerick Live, she said that she was nervous going into today and wasn't confident she would manage to retain her seat.
She said she is grateful to all those who took the time to vote for her and is particularly proud of the strength of the Caherelly community and how they backed her. She commended them for such a high voter turnout.
READ MORE: LIVE BLOG: ELECTION UPDATES FROM LIMERICK COUNT CENTRE
Cllr Teefy said: "I can't believe it, it's a fantastic vote."
She added: "I'm absolutely thrilled and relieved."
She said she feels humbled that people gave her their first preference vote.
Cllr Teefy said: "You never know what can happen in these things, I'm always nervous and you don't take anything for granted."
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