As it happened: Election 2024 in Cork — Recount ordered in North ...

The Irish Examiner were covering all 43 constituencies, including the four in Cork, to keep an eye on the twists and turns Our live blog for the overall results is still up and running - you can follow along here.

Here is how day two broke down.

12.45am:

The 17th count in Cork North Central has resulted in a recount being called.

From Ken O'Flynn's surplus, Mick Barry received 117 votes to take him to 7,426.

Eoghan Kenny received 68 votes to take him to 7,461.

Returning Office Martin Harvey has agreed to Mick Barry’s request for a recount tomorrow - at 10am - for the fifth and final seat.

Following the announcement, Mr Barry told the Irish Examiner: "I have been standing in elections for 25 years, I've never in my life called for a recount before but I think when it is a Dáil seat at stake and the gap between the second candidate, myself, and the second candidate, in this case Councillor Kenny, is a mere 35 votes I think it is reasonable to request a recount and that is what I've done."

It has not yet been decided if it will be a full or a partial recount. Mr Barry has said that he will deliberate with his team and an answer will be provided to the Cork city returning officer, Martin Harvey, before 10am on Monday morning as this is when the recount must start.

Just moments after the recount was called, Mr Kenny said that he remained "absolutely ecstatic".

"I understand there is going to be a recount to take place but at the same time we are a number of votes ahead now at this stage so I am absolutely delighted and very proud of my team and the campaign that we led," he said.

With the count being so close, Mr Kenny said he knew a recount was a strong possibility.

"The recount will take place but ultimately this is a fantastic day," Mr Kenny said.

12am

After count 16 in Cork North Central, Mick Barry received 58 votes to bring him to 7,309.

Eoghan Kenny added 143 votes to bring him to 7,393, meaning that Kenny has opened up a gap of 84 votes now.

Distribution of Ken O’Flynn’s surplus is now underway

11.30pm

Major drama in Cork North Central!

Things in Nemo Rangers could hardly be more tense as the battle for the final seat currently has the two hopefuls separated by a single vote.

After the surplus from Fine Gael's Colm Burke was distributed there was one vote between incumbent Solidarity-People Before Profit Mick Barry and Labour's Eoghan Kenny.

The counters are now going through Pádraig O'Sullivan's surplus now in the hopes that this nailbiter will end with this count.

10.45pm

Here's newly-elected Independent Ireland TD Ken O'Flynn being congratulated by his father, former Fianna Fáil TD Noel O'Flynn, at the count centre at Nemo Rangers GAA club in Cork. 

22.18pm

Back to Cork North Central, where Fine Gael's Colm Burke and Ken O'Flynn of Independent Ireland have just been elected. 

Mr Burke, who from the tallies looked locked on to retain his seat, was spotted looking stressed as counters worked throughout the afternoon.

When asked if he was every genuinely concerned about whether he seat was safe, he said that it is "just part of the political thing".

Mr Burke said that his team had been giving out to him for his worried expression.

Counting is ongoing to determine who will take the fifth and final seat in the constituency: Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Mick Barry; or Labour's Eoghan Kenny.

9.35pm:

Padraig Rice (SD) and Jerry Buttimer (FG) were elected in Cork South Central. Pictures: Larry Cummins

After count 18, Fine Gael's Jerry Buttimer and Padraig Rice of the Social Democrats have taken the fourth and fifth seats in the Cork South Central constituency.

Mr Rice, 34, from Ballyphehane, who was elected to the city council for the first time in June, won over 8% of the first preference vote in Friday’s general election – his first general election campaign.

8.50pm

In Cork North Central, it's down to the wire as Fianna Fáil's Tony Fitzgerald has been eliminated. There are now four candidates vying for the last three seats — Colm Burke (Fine Gael), Ken O'Flynn (Independent Ireland), Mick Barry (People Before Profit-Solidarity) and Eoghan Kenny (Labour). 

In the other live constituency in Cork, the race for the final two seats in South Central is between three after Shane O'Callaghan of Fine Gael was eliminated. Pádraig Rice of the Social Democrats, Fine Gael's Jerry Buttimer and Mick Finn, Independent, are still in the mix.

8.44pm

As we move towards the latter stages of Sunday's counts, there are still several vacant seats across Cork's electoral constituencies. 

Here's a quick rundown of who has already taken seats in the Rebel County, and where there are still seats left to be filled:

7.40pm

Sinn Féin’s Donnchadh Ó’Laoghaire steals a moment with his daughter  at Nemo Rangers GAA Club, Cork. Picture: Chani Anderson

Back to Cork South Central now where Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire has just been re-elected.

He was deemed elected on Sunday evening on the 16th count with 10,647 votes, after picking up transfers following the elimination of Labour Cllr Laura Harmon.

It is his third time to be elected to the Dail but the first time he has had a running mate in the keenly contested constituency. He paid tribute to his running mate, Michelle Cowhey Shahid.

“If you go back 10 or 15 years, Cork South Central was a place that voted substantially below the national average in terms of Sinn Fein votes but we have built up our vote considerably over the last number of years,” he said.

“We have held the seat now three times in a row, and building, running two candidates for the first time. So we are very pleased with that, coming off the back of the local elections."

7.05pm

Fianna Fáil TD Pádraig O'Sullivan has retained his seat in Cork North Central.

6.35pm

Cork South West TD and Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has thanked the staff of Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) for her care over the weekend after she gave birth to a baby girl on election day.

In her first statement in the aftermath of the election, Ms Cairns said that it has been a “monumental week” for her, both personally and politically.

Read the full story below:

6pm

After count 11, there has been little change to the proceedings in Cork North Central.

With Sinn Fein's Thomas Gould elected on the last count, there are still four seats to be filled here.

The latest results have Fianna Fáil TD Pádraig O'Sullivan on 9,605 votes, Independent Ireland's Ken O'Flynn on 8,584, Fine Gael's Colm Burke on 6,971, Tony Fitzgerald of Fianna Fáil on 5,012, Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Mick Barry on 4,958, and Labour's Eoghan Kenny on 4,785.

5.35pm

No further candidates elected after count 14 in Cork South Central.

With Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and his party colleague Seamus McGrath already elected, there are three more seats available.

Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire is currently in third place with 7,853 votes. 

Padraig Rice of the Social Democrats is on 7,279, Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer is on 6,459, and Independent Mick Finn is on 5,488.

5.21pm

Here's Irish Examiner Political Reporter Michelle McGlynn with an update on the latest results and counts from Cork's electoral constituencies:

4.05pm

Sinn Féin's Thomas Gould celebrates his re-election for Cork North-Central. Picture: Jacob King/PA Wire

Over in Cork North Central, Sinn Féin's Thomas Gould has just been elected. He secured 10,435 votes, above the quota of 9,846.

As of the conclusion of count 10, Fianna Fáil TD Pádraig O'Sullivan was just shy of the quota with 9,588, Independent Ireland candidate Ken O'Flynn was on 8,487, and Fine Gael's Colm Burke was on 6,957.

Three candidates are now battling for the fifth and final seat in the constituency: Fianna Fáil's Tony Fitzgerald (5,000); Labour's Eoghan Kenny (4,727); and Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Mick Barry (4,724).

4pm

All four seats have now been filled in Cork East, although three candidates did not make the quota of 9,602 votes.

Fine Gael councillor Noel McCarthy will become Fermoy's first TD in 33 years after securing 9561 votes. Mr McCarthy, who is originally from Cobh, said that it will also be the first time in 27 years that Cobh will have a TD.

Sinn Féin’s Pat Buckley, who topped the poll in 2020, also took a seat on 9194 votes.

Social Democrats Liam Quaide celebrates his election at the Mallow Count Centre in the GAA Complex, Mallow, Co Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan

Social Democrat councillor Liam Quaide took the fourth and final seat with 7925 votes.

It is the first time a Social Democrat will take a seat in Cork East.

The youngest TD in the last Dail, Fianna Fáil’s James O’Connor topped the poll this morning with 9924 votes.

An emotional Mr O’Connor, 27, thanked his team, especially his mother, for their support.

Fine Gael's Mark Stanton, son of departing TD and former minister of State David Stanton, was eliminated on the twelfth and final count on 7,793 votes.

3.20pm 

Two more candidates are now very close to reaching the quota in Cork East.

Fine Gael councillor Noel McCarthy looks set to take a seat after receiving 2184 of fellow Fermoy native Independent councillor William O’Leary’s transfers, bringing his total vote to 9,400 in the eleventh count.

Sinn Féin’s Pat Buckley, who topped the poll in 2020, also look set to take a seat on 9173 votes.

The quota is 9,602.

Count staff at Nemo Rangers GAA Club in Cork, as the vote count continues in the General Election. Picture: Jacob King/PA Wire

It is currently a battle between Social Democrats Liam Quaide (on 7889) and Fine Gael's Mark Stanton (on 7689) for the final seat after the 11th count.

But there are limited votes left now to distribute between candidates in the four seat constituency.

Fianna Fáil’s James O’Connor has already been elected. His surplus of 332 votes is now being distributed.

1.45pm

Independent Ireland’s Ken O’Flynn gained 1,280 transfers from Derek Blighe in the eighth count in Cork North Central, strengthening his bid for the third seat.

The first TD is expected to be elected soon, with Sinn Féin’s Thomas Gould and Fianna Fáil’s Pádraig O’Sullivan neck-and-neck.

Fine Gael’s Colm Burke remains on track to retain his seat but still needs over 3,000 votes to reach the 9,846 quota.

Fianna Fáil’s Tony Fitzgerald and Solidarity-PBP’s Mick Barry are locked in a tight race for the final seat.

Brothers Seamus McGrath and incoming EU Commissioner Michael McGrath together at the count centre for general election 2024 at Nemo Rangers. Picture: Larry Cummins

1pm

Fianna Fáil Cllr Seamus McGrath has been elected a TD for Cork South Central on the 10th count with 10,758 votes, holding the seat formerly held by his brother, Michael.

His election comes on the same day that Michael officially takes up his role as EU commissioner for democracy, justice and the rule of law.

Seamus was joined for the announcement of his election by his wife, Gayle, their children Jenna, 8, Averie, 7, while their youngest, Maeva Jayne, 3, remained at home.

He was flanked by his mother, Marie, his brother Michael, and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin.

Ms McGrath fought back tears as she said she was very proud of her two sons.

“I am very proud, and I’m very emotional,” she said.

“They have worked so hard to get this far, and I’d like to congratulate them both.

"Like any boys, they were no trouble, growing up, thank God.” 

And asked if she had any advice as one heads to Brussels and the other heads to Dáil Eireann said: “They have to look after themselves and do the best that they can. That’s all.”

Meanwhile, James O’Connor, the youngest TD in the 33rd Dáil, has been re-elected, securing the first seat in Cork East on the 10th count. 

The Fianna Fáil TD crossed the quota to reclaim his position with strong support.

Former Fianna Fáil councillor turned independent William O’Leary has been eliminated.

12.45pm

Former Tánaiste Simon Coveney, who helped negotiate two coalition programmes for government, says his party will find it “very difficult” to enter any coalition government with Fianna Fail unless a rotating Taoiseach arrangement is part of the deal.

Simon Coveney speaks to media at Nemo Rangers GAA Club in Cork, as the vote count continues. Picture: Jacob King/PA Wire

The former Cork South Central TD, who has retired from politics after 26 years, also insisted that the election had been better for his party than had been forecast in recent days.

He refused to be drawn on whether the Fine Gael or Fianna Fail should consider talks with the Labour Party or Social Democrats.

"That is a matter for the party leaders and the parliamentary parties - it is not a matter for me anymore," he said.

“There are a number of ways that you can look at the numbers," he said.

"There are the number of seats in the Dáil, there is the national vote that the parties have got nationally.

“And the vote that the two parties (Fine Gael and Fianna Fail) have got nationally is basically the same.

"I think that is an important mandate that Fine Gael will carry into any discussions."

He also paid tribute to the role in government of the Green Party which has been decimated saying that history will be kind to them.

12.25pm

Derek Blighe has been eliminated in the seventh count in Cork North Central, securing 2,915 votes.

Fianna Fáil's Pádraig O'Sullivan, now over 9,000 votes, is on track to win the first seat, needing just 757 more after gaining 920 transfers from Sandra Murphy Kelleher. 

Sinn Féin's Thomas Gould trails with 7,644 votes, as transfers slow. 

Fine Gael's Colm Burke and Independent Ireland's Ken O'Flynn are likely to secure seats.

Meanwhile, Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Mick Barry faces trouble, with Fianna Fáil’s Tony Fitzgerald leading by 776 votes.

Derek Blighe has been excluded/eliminated in Cork North Central at the general election count centre at Nemo Rangers on Sunday morning. Picture: Larry Cummins

11.50am

Counts are coming in steadily in Cork North Central as we inch closer to getting the first seat filled.

Fianna Fáil's Pádraig O'Sullivan is now up to 8,169 so there is still a distance to go before he can reach the quota.

Sinn Féin's Thomas Gould is around 500 votes behind while Independent Ireland's Ken O'Flynn and Fine Gael's Colm Burke have little between them.

Former lord mayor Tony Fitzgerald has garnered 4,284 as he continues to pull ahead of Solidarity-People Before Profit's Mick Barry who is fighting to hold on to his seat.

Count eight has started for Cork East at the Mallow Count Centre in the GAA Complex, Mallow, Co Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan

10.30am

Counting has resumed in Cork North Central, with the fifth round already completed, but no candidates have been elected yet.

For the first time since counting began yesterday, Thomas Gould is no longer in the lead, as Fianna Fáil's Pádraig O'Sullivan has overtaken him. O'Sullivan still requires 1,847 votes to reach the quota of 9,846.

Fine Gael's Colm Burke has moved into third position after gaining 561 votes from the elimination of running mate Imelda Daly. 

Mr Burke has overtaken Independent Ireland's Ken O'Flynn, who has been consistently in the top four as counts progress.

Attention remains on the battle for the fifth seat, with Tony Fitzgerald at 4,200 votes and incumbent Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Mick Barry trailing at 3,826.

This round widened the gap between Barry and Labour’s Eoghan Kenny, but Kenny remains in contention.

Holly Cairns supporters show their delight in her absence when she was elected in Cork South West at the count centre in Mallow GAA. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

10am

Fianna Fáil Cllr Seamus McGrath has moved a step closer to election this morning following the conclusion of count five in Cork South Central.

Following the distribution of Independent Ireland candidate Veronica Houlihan, he picked up 15 votes to leave him on 9,972 votes – just 479 short of the quota of 10,451.

He should be deemed elected over the coming hours.

Rabharta Glas candidate Lorna Bogue has now been eliminated and count six is underway, with outgoing Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, on 7,092 votes, and Social Democrats city councillor Padraig Rice, who is on 5,512, likely to win the third and fourth seats respectively.

At the moment, Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer, who is 4,854, looks best placed to win the fifth and final seat.

9am

Senator Jerry Buttimer appears set to reclaim a Fine Gael seat in Cork South Central, previously held by Simon Coveney.

Starting Sunday’s fifth count in fifth place, Buttimer has widened his lead over Independent Mick Finn and Fine Gael running mate Shane O’Callaghan over three Saturday night counts.

Meanwhile, Social Democrats’ Padraig Rice looks poised to secure a breakthrough for the party. Sitting in fourth place after four counts, Rice is on track to claim either the fourth or fifth seat.

Sunday, 7am: Here's what happened over night at the count centres

4.40am

The three sitting TDs for Cork South West have been re-elected after a marathon count concluding at 4am.

Fianna Fáil’s Christopher O’Sullivan exceeded the quota of 11,824 with a total vote of 11,959. 

“I’m overjoyed, especially with over 9,000 first preferences,” he said, crediting his team for overcoming challenges in the vast constituency.

Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins topped the poll with 11,002 votes, while Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns secured her seat with a strong first-count tally of 9,421.

Fine Gael, running two candidates, hoped to reclaim a seat but fell short as O’Sullivan’s solid performance left little doubt about the outcome.

With three seats filled the count has now been completed.

Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins, Cork South West, shows his delight on been elected at the count centre in Mallow GAA. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

3am

Excitement filled Mallow GAA Hall as Cork North West’s three Dáil seats were declared at 3am.

Fianna Fáil’s Aindrias Moynihan topped the poll with 10,094 votes, followed by Fine Gael’s John Paul O’Shea with 9,351. Fianna Fáil’s Michael Moynihan retained his seat with 9,057. No candidate reached the quota of 10,712.

Aindrias Moynihan credited constant campaigning and voter engagement for his success, acknowledging cost-of-living pressures, childcare, and housing challenges faced by constituents.

O’Shea, a long-serving councillor, celebrated his first Dáil seat, saying, “It’s been a long time coming.” He emphasized the need for a strong mandate to form a government.

Michael Moynihan, securing his seventh term, expressed pride and renewed commitment to addressing disability services and other issues.

11.10pm

Cork North Central has suspended the count for the night with no one elected and is set to resume again at 9am tomorrow.

Leading candidate Sinn Féin's Thomas Gould is still a ways off the 9,846 quote after his votes increased slightly from the last count bringing him to 7,513.

It is expected that it will be well into tomorrow before a seat is filled.

The running order has changed very little since the first count this afternoon.

The first four seats will most likely be filled by Mr Gould, Fianna Fáil's Pádraig O'Sullivan, Independent Ireland's Ken O'Flynn, and Fine Gale's Colm Burke.

The fifth and final seat is still a tight battle between Fianna Fáil's Tony Fitzgerald and incumbent Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Mick Barry. However, the gap between Mr Barry and Labour's Eoghan Kenny has widened slightly but it is unlikely that this will bring Mr Barry much comfort.

11pm: 

Fianna Fáil Cllr Seamus McGrath is now just 501 votes short of the 10,451 quota after the third count in Cork South Central

The lowest candidate, Independent Graham De Barra, has been eliminated and his votes are now being distributed.

The count is continuing, but it is expected to be suspended within the next hour, to resume on Sunday morning.

- For a full recap of election day and the first day of counting as it happened, you can read more here.