Tallies in the Galway West bye-election are suggesting strong showings from Independent Ireland's Noel Thomas and Fine Gael's Seán Kyne.
Tallies are unofficial figures compiled by observers at count centres.
A tally of 50% of the ballot boxes in Galway West puts Mr Thomas in first place, with 21% of first preferences, followed closely in second place by Mr Kyne on 20%.
Labour's Helen Ogbu has a 12% share of first preferences, putting her well ahead of other left-leaning candidates in the field but perhaps too far back to be in contention.
A co-ordinated, cross-party tally is being carried out, with participation from a number of independent candidates and several political parties.
Turnout is running at 39% on boxes tallied so far.
Boxes from rural areas across Conamara, as well as those from the west side of Galway city, Oranmore and Baile Chláir will be opened as the morning progresses.
The bye-election will decide who replaces Catherine Connolly, who vacated her seat automatically upon being elected the 10th President of Ireland last November.
Follow live updates on the Galway West and Dublin Central bye-elections
The full list of Galway West candidates is:
Néill Bairéad (Independent)
AJ Cahill (The Irish People)
Mike Cubbard (Independent)
Patrick Feeney (Independent)
Sheila Garrity (Independent)
Cillian Keane (Fianna Fáil)
Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)
Mark Lohan (Sinn Féin)
Niall Murphy (Green Party)
Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich (Social Democrats)
Orla Nugent (Aontú)
Helen Ogbu (The Labour Party)
John O'Leary (Independent)
Denman Rooke (People Before Profit)
Michael Ryan (Independent)
Noel Thomas (Independent Ireland)
Thomas Welby (Independent)
