VOTERS SAY YES, AND SO DOES SATTY
GOBHNAIT AND SATTY PLAN TYING THE KNOT - EVEN BEFORE THE COUNT IS IN
EVEN before the tallies got to work in Ballincollig there was a marriage proposal.
Satty O’Riordan and her partner Gobhnait Ni Chrualaoi were travelling from their home in Ballymakeera to the count centre early on Saturday morning when Gobhnait asked her if she would marry her. The rest, as they will now say, is history.
The couple held their civil partnership four years ago and described the day as magicial as they were surrounded by family and friends.
However, Saturday last was “the icing on the cake” for both women who met seven years ago.
“I’m very proud of the Irish people today. I’ve been wearing the ‘Yes’ badge all around Ballyvourney and I came across no one who was in anyway negative,” said Satty, who is originally from Cork city but whose family hails from Ballyvourney.
Gobhnait said that she was afraid to campaign and she didn’t have the courage to do so.
“That is the truth of the matter and there is no point in saying otherwise,” she said.
“But from today on, I have an equal relationship and that is quiet powerful as our love is equal. Our love is valid and it is constitutionally and legally recognised,” said Gobhnait.
Gobhnait said: “I’m proud of the Irish people and we are the first country in the world that has asked the people for their opinions in such an important matter. We are a small country and an Island people and it is truly a historical day.”
When asked when would they have their big day, Gobhnait said with a smile that she had proposed on the presumption that the Yes vote would be carried.
“I got back a ‘yes’ answer which was important from Satty,” said Gobhnait.
“We had a big civil ceremony and it was truly magical but really today for both of us has just been the icing on the cake,” said Satty.
With a rip roaring laugh, Satty said: “I can now go out and buy a card for the wife. That will just be class.”