Joyous scenes and ceremonies recalled five years after Ireland voted yes to marriage equality
Today marks five years since the public voted in favour of same-sex marriage in the marriage equality referendum, becoming the first country in the world to do so by popular vote.
It was passed with 62% support from the public.
In total, 3,210 same-sex weddings have taken place since the marriage equality referendum.
Cormac Gollogly and Richard Dowling were the first couple to get married following the referendum.
"Well we had always been planning to be married of course since 2003 since we were together," Cormac said.
"We had been campaigning for marriage equality. It was luck more than anything that got us to be down in Tipperary on the day that it actually happened rather than by design."
Tourism Ireland also unveiled a new film featuring voices from Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community to celebrate the anniversary.
"Our latest online film is highlighting the fact that, five years ago today, Ireland made history and voted to legalise same-sex marriage," said Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland.
"While we may not be able to travel just now, this film will inspire people for their future visit – reminding viewers of our wonderful culture, stunning scenery and the sense of pride that makes Ireland such a special place to visit."
Today, #MarRefMemories is the top trend on Twitter in Ireland as people recall their days of campaigning for a yes vote, the day of the referendum itself, the iconic celebrations which followed, and the weddings which took place since and those which will take place in the future.
Today was meant to be our wedding day. Unfortunately, COVID-19 put paid to our plans. However, we will still raise a toast to the freedom to marry and to the 1,201,607 Irish people who voted YES in the #MarRef on that beautiful day in May five years ago! #MarRefMemories pic.twitter.com/Zci9aqSlQF
— Pádraig Rice (@PadraigRice) May 22, 2020
These #MarRefMemories are reducing me to tears. Five years ago #WeMadeHistory We showed that Ireland can be a generous, decent, loving Republic. Today is a day to remember that moment, to celebrate & to recommit to that idea. To make it real for everyone. https://t.co/jOlQKZOgeW
— Colm O'Gorman (@Colmogorman) May 22, 2020
This time five years ago I was off to the polls to vote YES to Marriage Equality after weeks of thousands of us going door to door asking Ireland for its support.
— Jamie (@jenties87) May 22, 2020
We'd go on to be the first ever country to introduce it by popular vote 🏳️🌈#YesEquality #MarRefMemories #MarRef pic.twitter.com/q8RrVzqWhv
Five years today since the Marriage Referendum was passed by the Irish public,&I can still remember how life changing it felt - as Aaron &I walked into town, it was like the air around us had changed. That's us on the day itself, &then getting married last year!#MarRefMemories 🌈 pic.twitter.com/2zQLkhvafL
— Alan Barry (@Alanpbarry) May 22, 2020
Eimear voting at the church where we got married and then with my nephew Colm on the day after. A great day for Ireland #marref #marrefmemories pic.twitter.com/E5w2bty29a
— Eoin OC (@osizzler) May 22, 2020
