Cosgrove loses out on recount but where will his vote go?

Bailieborough Cootehill Electoral Area

Independent Ireland's Kristofer Shekelton stayed in the race after a recount of count #4 and the redistribution of Carmel Brady's surplus.

The full recount of Count 4 of votes received by the two lowest standing candidates in the Bailieborough-Cootehill MD; and also included Carmel Brady's (FG) 12 surplus votes.

The recount saw the Kingscourt candidate lose two votes from the previous count; while Garry Cogrove slipped by three votes.

The state of play in Bailieborough Cootehill has two councillors elected in Sarah O'Reilly (Aon) and Carmel Brady (FG).

Garry Cosgrove (Ind) joins Marina McEntee (SF), Fiona McCormack (Ind), and John (Sean) O'Reilly (Ind) in being eliminated.

Of those still in the race, Fine Gael's Val Smith is on 1,409 (+1). With over 100 votes more than the next candidate, he looks set to take a seat even if he doesn't attract many more transfers.

Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin are set to fight out the remaining three seats.

Clifford Kelly (FF) is on 1,286; Aiden Fitzpatrick (FF) is on 1,205 while Niall Smith (FF) is on 1,114.

Sinn Féin councillor Paddy McDonald (906) is all but resigned to losing his seat to newcomer and party colleague Stiofán Conaty (1,175).

Assessing where Cosgrove's votes might go is pure guess work. As an anti-establishment vote, it's possible many will not transfer at all. Geographically the Cootehill man is closest to Aiden Fitzpatrick who lives in Kill. Politically could his voters be more inclined towards Sinn Féin or maybe even Kristofer Shekleton?

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