Election tallies paint early picture for candidates as crowds continue to grow at Kilkenny Count Centre

Proceedings got underway shortly after 9am at the Lyrath Convention Centre

Election fever has hit Kilkenny with tallies providing an early indication as to how local election candidates are going in the county's four Local Electoral Areas. - UPDATED DETAILS AS WE HAVE THEM HERE

The Kilkenny People understands approximately 76% of boxes have been tallied at the Kilkenny Count Centre so far.

These figures come with the warning that not all boxes are open and this is not an official count but chief tallyman Pat O'Neill, former senator and councillor, is predicting gains for independents and Sinn Féin in this local election.

The morning's early tallies brought many current and former councillors, election hopefuls and other well-known local faces to the Kilkenny Count Centre as they attempt to get an early indication on where votes appear to be going.

Amongst those keeping an eye on proceedings at the local election count earlier were Pat O'Neill senior, outgoing councillor Patrick O'Neill and little Patrick O'Neill at his first election count with his dad and grandad.

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