Paul Macgregor talks about producing Ireland Said Yes—a hit documentary podcast with Shane Daniel Byrne that captures Ireland’s landmark 2015 Marriage Equality Referendum. For Paul, a recent arrival to Ireland, it became more than just a podcast: it was a front-row seat to a cultural shift that inspired the world.
Producing the ‘Ireland Said Yes’ podcast for the past twelve months, alongside host Shane Daniel Byrne, was a dream project come true. From an initial conversation with Shane two years ago, we’ve delivered a highly acclaimed documentary podcast that topped the Irish history charts. I’ve only lived in Ireland for four years, initially arriving in Dublin as a freelance TV Director / Producer before moving into podcasts, but I’ve always been aware of the significance of the Marriage Equality Referendum back in 2015.
The vote was historic for numerous reasons - Ireland being the first nation in the world to have a public vote on same-sex marriage, most importantly - but I hadn’t realised the amount of hard-work that made the Yes vote possible. Ireland’s image as a staunchly conservative country evaporated overnight, influencing future campaigns like the 2018 Repeal Referendum and inspiring demoralised LGBT activists around the world looking for political guidance and hope.
From the in-depth conversations Shane and I had with over 30 different contributors, I quickly realised how both traumatic and exhilarating the campaign was for those fighting for a Yes vote. This was a difficult campaign that took decades, not just a few months of politely knocking on doors, as traditional media coverage at the time suggested.
From the murder of Declan Flynn to the unsuccessful court battle of Katherine Zappone and Anne Louise Gulligan to have their Canadian marriage recognised, the Irish queer community has a tradition for fighting for equality, even when the world seems against them.
Not everyone interviewed believed in the institution of marriage itself (hilariously, many of our contributors still don’t, myself included) but they all agreed that the vote 10 years ago was really a grass-roots campaign against homophobia, shame and the unfair exclusion from basic human rights.
Across four episodes, Shane has beautifully told his own personal journey as a gay man growing up in Dublin, while sharing precious memories of 2015 with incredible guests like Panti Bliss, Una Mullaly, Ailbhe Smyth, Brendan Courtney and Mary McAleese among others.
The public reaction to ‘Ireland Said Yes’ has been amazing - as one listener stated:
"I laughed and cried my way throughout this. Shane managed to find the humour amongst the heartstrings. It's a beautifully put together podcast, capturing the spirit of the movement for equality and acceptance with a nod to work we have left to do"
You can listen to all episodes of "Ireland Said Yes" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and wherever you get podcasts. Bonus episodes featuring conversation highlights with selected guests will be released over the forthcoming months.
"Ireland Said Yes" is an Onic Original, written and presented by Shane Daniel Byrne
The series was developed and produced by Paul Macgregor, Series Producer.
Audio design, mixing, and sound editing by Fionn O'Brien and Paul Macgregor.
Visual design created by Stephen King O'Farrell and Conor Daly.
Legal Counsel - Hugh Hannigan and Claire Telford.
Executive Producer, Sasha Hamrogue.
You can listen to all episodes of "Ireland Said Yes" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube and wherever you get podcasts.