Possibly four safe seats but who will fill the other two?

MICHAEL HEGARTY, the Fine Gael leader on the county council, topped the poll in 2004 with 3,089 first preferences and the Ladysbridge man is expected to be there or there abouts this time out.

Former TD John Mulvihill Snr was second that year (2,891 first preferences) and the Labour flag-bearer is expected to be a safe bet to retain his seat, even if he does have some opposition in his hometown of Cobh.

Noel Collins is the longest-serving county councillor in Cork, with more than 30 years under his belt. It’s remarkable that the Independent doesn’t drive, doesn’t have a landline, a mobile phone or fax. Yet he puts himself out there. He came in third last time out (2,977 FPs) and is expected to be re-elected with ease.