A by-election was held in the Dáil Éireann Limerick East constituency in Ireland on 11 March 1998. It followed the death of Labour Party Teachta Dála (TD) Jim Kemmy on 25 September 1997.

1998 Limerick East by-election

← 1997 general election 11 March 1998 2002 general election →
Turnout	42,703 (54.7%)
Nominee Jan O'Sullivan Sandra Marsh Mary Jackman Party Labour Fianna Fáil Fine Gael First preferences 10,619 10,173 10,445 Percentage 24.9 23.8 24.5 Final count 22,888 15,188 –   Nominee Tim O'Malley John Ryan Jenny Marie Shapland Party Progressive Democrats Democratic Left Sinn Féin First preferences 4,287 3,868 909 Percentage 10.0 9.1 2.1 Final count – – –   Nominee John Gilligan Nora Bennis Eric Sheppard Party Independent National Party Green First preferences 850 700 546 Percentage 2.0 1.6 1.3 Final count – – –
TD before election Jim Kemmy Labour Elected TD Jan O'Sullivan Labour

The election was won by Limerick City Councillor Jan O'Sullivan of the Labour Party.

Among the candidates were Senator and Limerick County Councillor Mary Jackman, Limerick County Councillor Tim O'Malley, Limerick City Councillor John Ryan, Limerick City Councillor John Gilligan

On the same day, a by-election took place in Dublin North, both were the final occasions which Democratic Left contested by-elections.