Limerick celebrates the 10th year anniversary of Marriage Equality in Ireland when activists will come together for a series of events in Limerick the week of May 19 – 25, 2025. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Limerick celebrates the tenth anniversary of Ireland’s marriage equality referendum which passed on May 22, 2015
This May, Limerick groups will come together to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the landmark marriage equality referendum in Ireland, which passed by popular vote on May 22, 2015.
Regarded as a social revolution, Ireland made history in 2015 by becoming the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage through a national referendum.Voter turnout for the referendum was exceptionally high at 61 per cent and was carried by a significant majority in Limerick. To celebrate this historic day, activists have come together to plan a series of events in Limerick the week of May 19 to 25.
The week-long celebrations will begin at the People’s Museum of Limerick on Monday, May 19, with a panel discussion from 6pm to 8pm on the ten year anniversary featuring David Cuddihy (Chair of Limerick’s Yes Campaign), Jenny Blake (Canvassing co-ordinator Limerick’s Yes Campaign) and Adam Long, Board Member of national LGBT Federation.
From May 19 to 23, local organisation GOSHH will host an exhibition at 18 Davis Street. The display will feature photographs and personal stories from the time of the referendum, offering an intimate look at the emotions and efforts behind the campaign.
On Saturday, May 24, Dance Limerick will host a performance of The Morning After the Life Before at 8pm. Written and performed by Ann Blake alongside Lucia Smyth, the play recounts Blake’s personal journey of coming out and the societal transformation that followed the referendum. The play’s title refers to a message Ann received from her brother the morning after the results: “How’s the morning after the life before?”
Throughout the week, GOSHH, Limerick Pride, and Mammies for Trans Rights will be taking part in various live and recorded radio features and Podcasts on Pride Vibes, Live 95FM, Limerick Post and Limerick Leader.
Speaking about the event, Limerick Pride Chairperson, Lisa Daly said, “Ten years ago the people of Ireland made a declaration to the rest of the world that every person deserves the same rights regardless of their sexual orientation. This celebration is an opportunity to remember all of those who fought, hoped, campaigned, and shared their personal stories, and it is a chance to celebrate how far we have come as a community and country over the years.”
Richard Lynch, Limerick Pride PRO said, “The referendum victory in 2015 meant the LGBT community were equal in the eyes of the world in terms of Marriage Equality. It was a beautiful moment when the people of Ireland came out to vote and to show how much they cared about their fellow humans and their right to love who they want to love. We still have a lot of work to do for our brothers and sisters all over the world, but as we remember the road we have come on leading up to 2015 and the period after, we will continue to fight for those still living in inequality around the globe.”
Verena Tarpey, CEO GOSHH said, “This is an opportunity for us to come together as a collective to celebrate progress made over the last number of years. It is also an opportune time to reflect on what has yet to be achieved. Like ten years ago, we would ask you all to come out and support our community, we are stronger together.”