The final battle of the June local elections ended in Portlaoise Circuit Court yesterday.
Judge Carroll Moran dismissed the petition by Labour Party member, Mr Larry Kavanagh, challenging the result of the election in the seven-seater Borris-in-Ossory division of Laois.
After two recounts, Mr Kavanagh, an outgoing county councillor, tied with Fine Gael's Mr John Bonham for the final seat. They had 795 votes each. Mr Bonham was declared the victor on first preferences.
Mr Richard Humphreys, for Mr Kavanagh, and Mr Tony O'Connor, for Mr Bonham, challenged 21 ballot papers, later reduced to 18, at the court hearing.
Judge Moran upheld the decisions of returning officer, Mr Louis Brennan, on the ballot papers.
Earlier, Mr Humphreys had withdrawn an allegation of "an apprehension of bias" against Mr Brennan.
The judge adjourned the decision on costs until November.