Irish people living overseas have been tweeting news of their journeys home to vote in same-sex marriage poll

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

Northern Ireland keeps watchful eye on gay marriage vote across the border Read more

Irish citizens have been sharing photographs and stories on social media as they travel home to vote in the gay marriage referendum.

Ireland could become the first country to legalise same-sex marriage through a referendum. More than 3 million people are eligible to vote, including 60,000 expats. Those who have left the country less than 18 months ago are able to vote in the referendum, but need to show up at a polling station in person.

Before the vote on Friday, Twitter was filled with pictures of people returning home to have their say on gay marriage, with some decorating their trains accordingly:

Naomi O'Leary (@NaomiOhReally) This is the scene on the 9:10 London to Holyhead train as Irish abroad return #hometovote #marref pic.twitter.com/spVfkb5sIT

Others, upon their return, found their parents had decorated for them:

Kevin Beirne (@KevBeirne) 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

The account @gettheboat2vote Twitter account has been encouraging Irish citizens overseas to travel home and has also been sharing their stories.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Get the boat 2 vote co-founder en route to Ireland

Helen Kennedy (@HKHunterKiller) Didn't get a badge so made this little print out instead. Home to vote YES #MarRef @gettheboat2vote @YesEquality2015 pic.twitter.com/oxP7pUa3eT

Ian McCafferty (@CommunalSpoon) I'm coming back to @ireland to vote in #MarRef. I'm coming back to help make history. I'm coming back for the future. pic.twitter.com/myq5tjAZ9e

According to these tweets, Irish expats have been travelling from far and wide to vote:

Emma Cassidy (@CassidyEmma) .@ireland @nessymon Good to know J! Myself&friend Dan nabbed a few others going #HomeToVote in Bxl Airport last night pic.twitter.com/DSMJZUGePD

Carol Hunt (@carolmhunt) On the way- from Bangkok airport #hometovote pic.twitter.com/NmpzHE8e1F

Debbie O'Neill (@debbiemoneill) In Heathrow airport waiting for a flight to Cork to go #hometovote #MakeGráThelaw pic.twitter.com/ST04TMUQ0t

Some who were unable to vote because they could not get back to Ireland have been encouraging others to vote yes with the hashtag #BeMyYes:

Aoife Lennon-Ritchie (@AoifeLennon) History is being made in Ireland right now. Sending love and support from South Africa. #BeMyYes

susan mcfadden (@susiemc1983) Wish I was at home tomorrow to give my YES vote.. Come on Ireland let's show the rest of the world how it's done.. #equality #BeMyYes

The referendum result is expected to be announced on Saturday afternoon.