Fianna Fáil's Paul Taylor is set to top the poll in Ballymote-Tubbercurry in County Sligo, according to the final tallies for that electoral area.
Taylor, who is also the Sligo senior gaelic footballer, got 1,862 first preferences, or 12% of the vote.
He is closely followed by former Fianna Fáil Councillor Joe Queenan, now an Independent, with 1,722 (11%).
Independent Michael Clarke is also expected to be in the hunt for a seat with 1,451 first preferences, while fellow Dromore West candidate Blair Feeney (FG) is on 8% of the vote with 1,1192.
It's also emerged that Willie Gormley faces a major battle to hold onto the seat held by his late aunt Margaret - a consistent poll-topper for many years. Gormley has received 1,038 (7%) first preferences. Seven other candidates have polled higher so far on first preferences.
The final shake-up is also likely to see a battle between two East Sligo candidates - Sligo County Council Cathairleach Martin Baker of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael's Gerard Mullaney with transfers certain to be the deciding factor.
There are seven seats in the Ballymote-Tubbercurry Electoral area.
Follow the count and see the final tally figures for Ballymote-Tubbercurry here.
