Outgoing Sinn Fein MEP Liadh Ní Riada has conceded defeat in the Ireland South European elections.

Counting has finished for the day at Nemo Rangers GAA club in County Cork.

A full recount of votes got underway at the centre this morning after the first round ended with only 326 votes separating Ms Ní Riada and the Green Party's Grace O'Sullivan.

They were competing for the fifth seat in the constituency – which will only come into play if and when the UK leaves the EU.

Fine Gael’s Sean Kelly and Fianna Fáil’s Billy Kelleher had already been deemed elected but could not be declared until the recount is complete.

Independent TD Mick Wallace is set to come in third.

Fine Gael's Deirdre Clune was in fourth place; however, counting will resume tomorrow to confirm the final positions - with Senator O'Sullivan now capable of coming in ahead of her.

13/5/2019 Sinn Fein EU election candidates launch the party's European Elections manifestos. Pictured is Liadh Ní Riada as Sinn Féin EU election candidates launch the party's European Election manifesto at the Irish Architectural Archive in Dublin. Photo: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

In a statement this evening, Ms Ní Riada congratulated Senator O’Sullivan on her election.

“I want to warmly congratulate Grace on her election to the European Parliament.

“I am happy that the democratic process has delivered the clarity we sought given that the initial difference was so tight.

“We ran a hard-fought campaign and we left everything on the pitch. Unfortunately, we came up short this time around.”

She said he is “incredibly proud” of her time as an MEP adding that she did her very best to deliver for her constituents and defend Ireland’s interests in Europe.

“For now, let me wish those elected for the coming term of the European Parliament all the very best for the work ahead,” she said.

Green Party candidate Grace O'Sullivan. Image: Twitter

Speaking earlier Senator O’Sullivan said she was surprised by the way her votes were observed.

“I haven’t been at a recount like this before,” she said.

“We would have observers looking at both sides but all Sinn Féin’s volunteers stood around my ballot papers and I just was surprised at that.”

The count is set to resume tomorrow.