It's been an arduous process, but we're getting towards the closing stages (we hope) of the count in most of the ongoing local and European elections.
Across the past few days, we've seen dramatic scenes up and down the country, as counts go well into double digits and margins remain tight among all candidates.
Through it all, a few shining lights from the world of Irish sport have worked their way into local office.
We've picked out some of the biggest Irish sporting names elected in recent days.
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Local elections: A list of the famous faces from Irish sport elected this week
Nina Carberry
Nina Carberry, who raced at the Grand National on six occasions and took multiple wins at the Cheltenham Festival, took her first step into politics with this month's local elections.
The Meath woman enlisted the help of fellow jockeys Rachael Blackmore and Ruby Walsh for her promotional junket.
Thanks Rachel! Vote No.1 Nina Carberry on June 7th🗳️ pic.twitter.com/rM7kE93chb
— Nina Carberry (@ninacarberry) June 4, 2024
Carbery stood for election with Fine Gael in the Midlands-North West constituency as an MEP, though her fate remains uncertain.
Incumbent Luke 'Ming' Flanagan topped the polls with 78,214 votes, with Carbery (73,888) only 20 votes behind Barry Cowen's 73,908.
With five seats on offer in the constituency, Carberry's chances are strong, especially with fellow Fine Gael candidate Maria Walsh also earning over 70,000 votes.
Eric Donovan
24 September 2022; Eric Donovan, left, and Khalil El Hadri during their EBU European Union super-featherweight bout at the Europa Hotel in Belfast. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Irish champion boxer Eric Donovan was another who stood for election for the first time in the past week.
The 2010 European Championship bronze medalist stood for Sinn Fein in the Drogheda Rural Constituency, won the final seat of four in the constituency, with his seat confirmed on the ninth count on Sunday afternoon.
The Athy native took to Twitter in the aftermath of his election to thank his family and the people of Drogheda.
Thanks to the people of Drogheda Rural for electing me to represent you. It's one of the greatest honours ever bestowed upon me. I couldn't have done it without your support or the support of all my family and election team. Go raibh maith agaibh uilig. 🇮🇪💚#LocalElections2024 pic.twitter.com/wn4karTXDz
— Eric Lilywhite Lightning Donovan (@ericdonovanbox) June 9, 2024
Paddy Holohan
Before making the move to politics, Dubliner Paddy Holohan was an MMA fighter who most notably headlined the UFC's visit to Dublin at Fight Night 76 in the 3Arena in 2015.
His career in politics has been controversial thus far, with contentious remarks seeing him temporarily suspended by his party Sinn Féin in 2020.
A year later, controversial comments on the COVID-19 lockdown once again saw him disciplined by his own party, and he did not renew his membership.
Already in place as a local representative in Tallaght South, Holohan retained his seat in that constituency while also winning a seat in Tallaght Central in last Friday's elections.
Paddy Holohan's unique interpretation of the sign of the cross is a sight to behold. #le24 #localellections @PaddyHolohanMMA pic.twitter.com/UmmK2uRH93
— Steve O'D (@Ste0D) June 10, 2024
He now must choose which seat he will take, with the ex-fighter required to give up one.
Sean Kelly
Seán Kelly has enjoyed a long career in politics, though sports fans will undoubtedly know him best for his role in GAA politics.
Kelly served as GAA President from 2003 to 2006, most famously overseeing the historic overturn of Rule 42 which allowed soccer and rugby into Croke Park during the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road.
23 February 2024; Iar-Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Seán Kelly speaking during the GAA Congress at Canal Court Hotel in Newry, Down. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
The Kerryman has remained involved in the GAA from a distance in the years since exiting as President.
He has also, however, held the position of MEP for the South Constituency with Fine Gael since 2009 - a position he retained in the most recent round of elections.
Mikey Sheehy Jr
Not quite a sportsperson in his own regard, but there is plenty of sporting pedigree in the Sheehy family.
Mikey Sheehy Jr has been a member of Kerry County Council since 2019 for the Tralee area. He was re-elected in the Tralee LEA for Fianna Fáil on the first count last weekend.
His father Mikey was a legendary Kerry footballer. Sheehy Sr won a remarkable eight All-Ireland medals during his career, an all-time record only surpassed last year by Dublin trio Stephen Cluxton, Michael Fitzsimons and James McCarthy. His most memorable moment came in the 1978 All-Ireland final, when he was responsible for the iconic lob of Dublin 'keeper Paddy Cullen.
A lovely photo circulated on social media over the weekend showing the Sheehy's embracing after Mikey Jr's election to local office.
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