Over 100 same-sex unions since Kilkenny said ‘Yes’

Ten years after the marriage equality referendum, in which 62% of the population voted to legalise same-sex marriage in Ireland, there have been 110 same-sex unions in Kilkenny: 51 male couples and 59 female couples.

It was the first time in history that a state legalised same-sex marriage by popular vote.

Journalist Vivienne Clarke worked as regional press officer on the Yes Equality campaign, and, looking back, has described it as the highlight of her career.

“As a journalist, one is always supposed to be impartial, but on this occasion I followed my conscience and my heart and I threw myself into the campaign as an ally and advocate for my gay friends, who I felt should have the same rights as every other Irish citizen,” says Vivienne.

“It was heartening to see the response from newspapers all over the country. The day of the count and the subsequent celebrations was one of the happiest of my professional and personal life; my daughter was also involved in the campaign.

“To this day every time I hear Snow Patrol's song Just Say Yes, which was the anthem of the campaign, I am immediately brought back to that wonderful time,” Vivienne says.