Fine Gael set to take three seats in Athenry Oramore area

It's been a busy morning in Leisureland where all of the ballot boxes for the city and county are being opened.
With 60 per cent of the boxes opened for the Athenry Oranmore municipal district, there is a good indication of the final outcome. As thought, Fine Gael look set to take three seats in this new seven-seat area with Frank Kearney, Liam Carroll ad Peter Feeney all comfortable to secure a place on Galway County Council.
Fianna Fáil are on course to have two councillors from this area. Claregalway's Malachy Noone, a sitting councillor was always a definite to retain his seat and he will be joined by either Martina Kinnane from Clarinbridge or Cathal Moran in Athenry.
Former PD Councillor Jim Cuddy is polling extremely well and has been keeping a close eye on the boxes being sorted. He will certainly be among the top three when the counting moves to NUI Galway this afternoon.
Corrandulla's James Charity who was unknown in the political arena before these elections has surprised many by his strong performance and if he continues to pick up votes, will take another independent seat on the council.
With 23 boxes open the tallies are as follows:

Carroll FG 419
Charity IND 1171
Collins IND 627
Conneelly SF 329
Cuddy IND 793
Dean LAB 79
Farrell FG 283
Feeey FG 323
Kearney FG 647
Kinane FF 508
Moran FF 192
Noone FF 887
O'Driscoll IND 118
O'Keefe Fis Nua 22
Ryan IND 296
Shevlin 235

The boxes for Ballinasloe are now being opened and sorted and tallies should start coming through for those areas shortly.
It's a bustling hall with plenty of familiar faces keeping a close eye on the figures.
The boxes are being opened and sorted alphabetically, with Connemara, Loughrea and Tuam yet to be opened.
Counting of votes is expected to begin for another hour.