Irish sports stars rejoice as Ireland says YES to equal marriage rights

Ireland said 'Yes'. Our sporting icons said 'Yes!'

So it is almost official - Ireland's referendum will now be amended to include equal marriage rights for all. In the end, the Yes campaign looks to have won out with room to spare. As of 4:30pm, with over half the votes counted, the Yes side leads No 61.4% to 38.6%. Many of Ireland's leading sports stars, past and present, felt the need to share their delight with the ever-changing nation. Former Cork hurler Donal Og Cusack is toasting the news from the USA.

@DonalOgC Cheers from America on today's amazing news!

— Patrick Burke (@BurkieNHL) May 23, 2015

He may be preparing for his upcoming UFC Mexico bout, but Cathal Pendred is taking some time out to celebrate.

Another proud day to be Irish. As the world looks on, we set an example and send a message: We are all equal, we are all one! #MarRef — Cathal Pendred (@Pendred) May 23, 2015

Brian O'Driscoll was up early.

YES is killing it by the sounds of things! ? — Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) May 23, 2015

And where would O'Driscoll be without his wing-man, Gordon D'Arcy?

I think I heard a few people said yes.. #YesWeDid pic.twitter.com/ensD33l107 — Gordon D'Arcy (@Gordonwdarcy) May 23, 2015

Olympic gold medallist and Fine Gael councillor Kenneth Egan used those famous boxing fists to pump the air in celebration.

It's a #YesEquality from us @kenegan30 pic.twitter.com/tF8Hy1u3X8 — Cllr Vicki Casserly (@vickicasserly) May 23, 2015

Irish MMA fighter Chris Field was absolutely delighted with how the vote swung.

Well done Ireland pic.twitter.com/KMWFB69gNF — chris fields (@chrisfieldsmma) May 23, 2015

Sonia O'Sullivan, another Olympic hero, retweeted this classic from cult TV star Bosco:

Morning boys and girls and girls and girls and boys and boys. — Bosco from the Tele (@boscosdiary) May 23, 2015

And finally, former Cork camogie star Valerie Mulcahy.

I am immensely proud to be Irish. Bring on the wedding ! #VoteYes . Thank you voters — Valerie Mulcahy (@valeriemulcahy) May 23, 2015