Longford #LE24: Fine Gael's Paul Ross set to romp home and top the poll in Ballymahon

Fine Gael's Paul Ross, who romped home as the poll topper in 2019 in Ballymahon Municipal District, looks set to replicate the feat on this occasion also. 

With the votes from 13 of the 19 polling booths in Ballymahon MD tallied, Legan-based Cllr Ross is on 1,096 first preferences.

There are votes yet to be tallied in Mostrim, Moydow, Newtowncashel, Lanesboro and Stonepark and Ross, who was first elected in 2014, has exceeded the projected quota.

Outgoing Fianna Fáil councillors Mick Cahill (694 1st preferences) and Pat O'Toole (688) look to be well on their way to retaining their seats.

The experienced Cahill was first elected in 2004, with O'Toole seeking a third consecutive successful election. 

Independent Niall Dowler, who was initially hoping to be selected on the Fianna Fáil ticket, has polled impressively and he is on 400. 

Sinn Féin's John Rooney is on 333 and is well in the mix especially with another box in Mostrim (Edgeworthstown) to be tallied. 

Outgoing County Council Cathaoirleach Colm Murray is on 349 and he'll be hoping for an upturn in his fortunes as the remaining boxes are tallied.

Fine Gael election first timer Martin Skelly is on 273 and can't be dismissed, while another election debut boy Fianna Fáil's Sean Mimnagh is on 170. 

Outgoing Independent councillors Mark Casey (283) and Gerald Farrell (106) will be expecting big jumps in their totals once the remaining boxes are tallied, particularly those in Lanesboro. 

Here is the state of the play at 12.15 on Saturday ;