When Ireland became the first country in the world to bring in same sex marriage by popular vote, it was described at home and abroad as a "social revolution".
Ireland did it! The 1st country to legalize marriage equality by popular vote, but they won't be the last! What an incredible accomplishment
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) May 23, 2015
It was an emotional and brilliant time for all Irish people, filled with celebration and unity: Ireland didn't just say Yes, it screamed it loud and clear.
This pict seems to say it all about #MarRef MT @somulligan: So happy and proud of the tally from our polling station pic.twitter.com/CBeBh1FXHL
— Gordon MacMillan (@gordonmacmillan) May 23, 2015
Oh my god, dying. Found in a #dubsw ballot box. #MarRef pic.twitter.com/MU0Rn23UNW
— Steph F (@Stephanenny) May 23, 2015
More people voted in the same sex marriage referendum than any other since the foundation of the State.
Lines of people outside Dublin Castle to get in for the #MarRef declaration pic.twitter.com/HPIHOdIvkj
— Conor Barrins (@ConorBarrins) May 23, 2015
Ireland had a spotlight on it and the world was eagerly watching and waiting for the results.
The Home to Vote hashtag went global, the hashtag that inspired millions: it's two years since it trended.
In just 24 hours it was tweeted 72,000 times.
The message rang loud and clear; Irish people across the world let nothing stop them having their say in the Marriage Equality referendum on May 22nd 2015. They travelled home in their droves.
They came from the States:
1st to vote this morning - with real queue behind me as doors opened. V high turnout predicted! #MarRef #hometovote pic.twitter.com/w91xWxRHzp
— Rob! (@RobertMunnelly) May 22, 2015
From Germany:
@gettheboat2vote @ireland Starting my trip from Goettingen to come #hometovote #voteyes #YesEquality #MarRef #PresRef pic.twitter.com/tCP5Y9gKws
— Jason Byrne (@JasonByrnePhD) May 21, 2015
From Thailand:
On the way- from Bangkok airport #hometovote pic.twitter.com/NmpzHE8e1F
— Carol Hunt (@carolmhunt) May 21, 2015
Even from Ethiopia:
On my way #hometovote from Ethiopia! Wrecked tired, almost crying reading my Twitter feed, itching to vote! #MarRef
— YouTube/Clisare ? (@Clisare) May 22, 2015
Irish people were determined to make history.
Journey so far-bus, tube, train, train, flight, taxi and bus....3/4 of the way there to get home to vote #hometovote #VoteYesForEquality
— Ciara Baxter (@CiaraBaxter) May 22, 2015
There's a monstrous queue to get into Ireland this evening. Guess what they're all back for? #MarRef pic.twitter.com/IP811asPV1
— District Magazine (@DistrictMagazin) May 21, 2015
I've never been so excited to get home. Sweden via Glasgow to Cork... Let's make history Ireland #YES #hometovote pic.twitter.com/6FZofCalNn
— Fiona Kelly (@fizzlekelly) May 22, 2015
*Goosebumps*
This tweet in particular's powerful sentiment went hugely viral.
Came #hometovote all the way from London and found my mum had made some subtle changes to my room for me #VoteYes pic.twitter.com/BOdxqXhJoN
— Kevin Beirne (@KevBeirne) May 21, 2015
When Ireland said yes, the world celebrated with us.
Well done, Ireland. -H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) May 23, 2015
Classy Mother Erin. X pic.twitter.com/NJBe9zM32e
— Dermot O'Leary (@radioleary) May 23, 2015
Here at #HayFestival - almost no signal but news in that Ireland’s Yes Campaign has carried the day. So so happy. Oscar smiles in his grave.
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) May 23, 2015
The pure joy of it. I'm so proud of Ireland today... We can all take pride in making history. Only sorry I can't be there to celebrate!
— Hozier (@Hozier) May 23, 2015
Never forget.
So happy Ireland have passed the law to get married there. Still genuinely shocks me thou, that this is only just happening!!
— Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) May 23, 2015
The following day, a new hashtag was trending...
Our suffering today will be remembered by our children and our children's children. #hungoverForEquality
— Geoff Shorts (@geoffsshorts) May 24, 2015
#hungoverForEquality is the most Irish hashtag imaginable
— Aine Dempsey (@AineDempsey) May 24, 2015
