An Ipsos B&A Exit Poll conducted for RTÉ and other outlets indicates tight competition among major political parties in Ireland, with about 20% of first preference votes each for Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and Sinn Féin. The poll, involving 5,018 participants, highlights significant shifts in voter preferences based on age demographics, with younger voters favoring Mary Lou McDonald while older voters lean towards Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil leaders. Analysis of second and third preference votes is crucial as election counts unfold this weekend.