The dismal performance of the Progressive Democrats will probably leave the most bitter taste in Limerick East, the party's homeland where there is now no longer a sitting TD.
Outgoing PD deputy and Minister of State for Health Tim O'Malley was ousted from his seat by Fine Gael first-timer Kieran O'Donnell, who secured a second seat for his party.
O'Malley, a cousin of the founding member of the Progressive Democrats Des O'Malley, said he was "bitterly disappointed".
O'Donnell, a nephew of former minister Tom O'Donnell, described his victory as a "great day for the rainbow in Limerick East" and congratulated Labour's Jan O'Sullivan who was successful in retaining her seat.
The other main talking point at Greenmount Racecourse - where the count continued until early on Saturday - was the poll-topping performance by outgoing Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea. The popular Fianna Fáil TD secured the second highest vote in the State, receiving 19,082 first preference votes - just 20 fewer than party colleague Brian Cowen.
The distribution of O'Dea's huge surplus of 10,852 votes secured the election of his party colleague Peter Power and Fine Gael's Michael Noonan, who was also elected on the second count. Asked how he felt about his performance, O'Dea described it as a "very humbling experience" and said he was "elated".
A member of the Dáil since 1982, O'Dea has topped the poll in his constituency in the last five elections.
Outgoing Labour TD Jan O'Sullivan received more than 5,000 first-preference votes and held her seat after receiving transfers in significant numbers from a range of parties.
Overall change: PD loss, FG gain
Outgoing TDs
Willie O'Dea FF
Peter Power FF
Michael Noonan FG
Tim O'Malley PD
Jan O'Sullivan Lab