Longford #LE24: Final tallies from Longford MD show Hagan in front

FGs Gerard Hagan looks set to top the poll in Longford MD after the tallying of the 20 boxes.

The tally figures show the Killoe man mopped up an estimated 1,051 first preference votes. The tail end of this contest could turn out to be a real page turner, as there is a group of candidates clumped together.

As the final boxes are tallied at TUI Athlone the makeup of Longford MD for the next five years is beginning to take shape.

The final numbers show that a total of 6,748 ballot papers are accounted for in the tallymen figures.

The voting papers are being prepared for transfer to Edgeworthstown for the start of counting later today. The FG poll topper only pipped Fiana Fáil's Martin Monaghan who garnered 1,049 votes.

The next to break the thousand mark was FFs Seamus Butler who accrued 1,024 votes, according to the tally numbers.

Also read: Longford #LE24: Murtagh tops poll ahead of McGovern on bad day for FF in Granard

A little further back, but almost assured of a seat is Peggy Nolan (FG) whose 882 votes should be enough to retain her seat once counting is done. Fine Gael's first timer Niall Gannon (458) is also in a good position for the long race.

Also read: Longford #LE24: Another stunning poll topping performance in Ballymahon by Fine Gael's Paul Ross

Fianna Fáilers Kevin Hussey (443) and Adejinmi (424), will be pleased to have a good number of first preferences.

While Sinn Fein's James Donnelly has amassed 397 votes as the battle goes into the knockout stages.

Also read: Longford #LE24: Longford MD update Martin Monaghan

In order for the strong early showings from Sadia Athar (203) and Mujahid Manzoor (207) to reap any benefit the Independent candidates will need to pick up early transfers.