Better than expected turnout as polling closes

Referenda on Family and Care.

A big upswing in voter numbers showing up across County Cavan, especially in rural areas from mid-afternoon onwards, has meant a better than expected turnout for this referendum.

The first Referendum concerns the concept of Family in the Constitution.

The second Referendum proposed deleting an existing part of the Constitution and to insert new text providing recognition for care provided by family members to each other.

There was large upswing in voter turnout by evening time compared to the early stages of the day when numbers were reportedly lower by comparison to previous occasions.

That was certainly the case and remained that way in the County Town where turnout was at 25.2% at 7pm at the St Clare's National School voting centre.

Poll staff there hoped with some uptake before the evening ended that numbers might hit above 30%.

In a flip of fortunes from this morning, rural stations appeared to see better attendances.

In Kill near Cootehill, a rural voting station, the average turnout was running at 31% by 8pm and rising, with a "steady" flow of voters still coming through the doors after the work day had ended.

In Shercock, one booth reported 43.5% approaching the end of the day. That figure was only 26% by 5pm. The perception there was that the overall average by the end of the night across three booths could land somewhere between the mid-30s to 40%.

At 6.30pm in Aughadreena NS in Lavey turnout was at 31% and expected to rise further.

Kilnaleck had an average turnout of 27% by that same time, with high turnouts also reported in the West of the county- Blacklion, Swanlinbar.

It was said to be "quiet enough" yet still several hundred votes had been cast at the Central School in Ballyconnell, and in Ballyjamesduff the average nearing 7pm was almost at 30%.

From a low base in the morning there was "quite a surge" of voting in Mullagh by late afternoon, with boxes reporting a 20% plus turnout.

It was noted too that a massive amount of young people had been seen exercising their franchise. On International Women's Day, and with Mother's Day around the corner, another potential trend to keep an eye on in Cavan and Monaghan is the number of females of all ages who have shown up to vote.

There was a "stronger than expected" turnout in Virginia, similarly in Bailieborough right throughout the day, while in Mullahoran turnout trended above 37%.

There were low turnouts prior to 6pm in some areas but voter numbers rose steadily in the likes of Bruskey- 41% in booth 1 and 31% in booth 2- and in Belturbet as evening wore on.

In Kilmore Booth 1 outside Cavan Town the average was 46.7%.

The counting at Cavan Leisure Centre tomorrow (Saturday) is for all votes cast in polling stations across counties Cavan, Monaghan and the portion of North Meath still retained within the constituency boundary.

The returning officer for Cavan-Monaghan, as was the case in recent referenda, is Joseph Smith.

The Anglo-Celt will be running a live blog from the Cavan Count Centre all day tomorrow, to include updates, interviews and results as and when they arise.