Deputy Returning Officer John O’Mahoney declared the results of the vote on the Marriage Referendum
It was passed in Tipperary South by 55.12% and 54.68% in North Tipperary, with voter turnout at 58.72% and 62% respectively
However from about ten o’clock this morning it was becoming clear the amendment would be passed.
And a jubilant Environment Minister, who was sporting a Tipp scarf and YES badge as he arrived into the count centre in Thurles, described it as a special day for both the county and the country
Alan Kelly also added that a YES in Tipperary was very significant
Mattie McGrath was the only Tipperary TD to declare he was campaigning for a NO vote but tallies from his back yard of Newcastle revealed a 60/40 YES and 50/50.
Accepting the result, Deputy McGrath extended his congratulations to the yes side and acknowledged the goodwill of those who engaged in open and meaningful debate.
He also added that a new political and cultural orthodoxy has arrived.
Meanwhile, Tipperary Fine Gael TD Noel Coonan, who was advocating for a YES vote, says he is delighted to see Ireland as grown-up and was very pleased the country was giving this the thumbs up.
Elsewhere, Tipperary became the first county to declare the results of the second referendum proposing to lower the age of presidential candidates – this was rejected overwhelmingly both North and South by more than three to one.
