Independent Ireland candidate Paul Forde gave a very creditable performance in the Boyle Local Electoral Area before his elimination on the tenth count.
The Boyle man took 830 first preference votes and looked at one stage to be in contention for the sixth seat in that area.
He said he wasn't expecting to win so many votes in the Boyle town area in particular.
The first time candidate said he wanted to highlight the need to boost employment in the west of Ireland.
Speaking to Shannonside News, Mr Forde didn't rule out the possibility of running again: