Comedian Shane Daniel Byrne hosts Ireland Said Yes, a powerful and witty new podcast series celebrating the 10th anniversary of Ireland’s historic same-sex marriage referendum through personal stories, cultural reflection, and conversations with the key voices who made it happen.
Comedian and actor Shane Daniel Byrne (Young Hot Guys, LOL: Last One Laughing: Ireland) celebrates ten years of when Ireland became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage in this limited documentary podcast series. Across four episodes, Shane takes listeners on an emotional and hilarious journey detailing Ireland’s historic fight for same -sex marriage. From the deeply personal stories of LGBT activism and resistance, Shane explores the cultural changes that eventually made the 2015 referendum possible - where 62% of the Irish electorate voted in favour of supporting same-sex marriage.
Shane interviews some of the key players and unsung heroes of the Yes Equality referendum campaign, including drag queen Panti Bliss, former President of Ireland Mary McAleese and TV presenter Brendan Courtney among many others. The series also includes Shane’s personal reflections and standup live from his sell-out run at Vicar Street in Dublin, as he revisits a time that reshaped Ireland’s identity and his own. Shane’s unique mix of humour and insight makes him the perfect host for Ireland Said Yes, bringing warmth and charm to every episode.
Featured guests in Ireland Said Yes include:
● Panti Bliss – Ireland’s most famous drag queen and outspoken LGBTQ activist.
● Ailbhe Smyth – Activist and academic.
● Gearóid Farrelly – Comedian, podcaster and Dancing with the Stars contestant.
● Conor Behan – RTÉ 2FM DJ and pop culture commentator.
● Mary McAleese – Former President of Ireland, 1997 - 2011.
● Lisa Connell – Co-founder of LGBT Noise and former manager of GCN.
● Una Mullally - The Irish Times columnist and broadcaster.
● Joe Caslin – Acclaimed artist whose murals made headlines in 2015.
● Pillow Queens – Dublin-based queer indie rock band.
● Katherine Zappone – Former Minister for Children.
● Gra Healy and Brian Sheehan - co-directors of Yes Equality campaign in 2015.
New episodes of Ireland Said Yes will be released every Thursday over the next 4 weeks. Bonus episodes of full conversations with selected guests will also be released in the following weeks to celebrate Pride Month in June. You can listen to all episodes of Ireland Said Yes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all other podcast platforms from this Thursday 22nd May for next 4 weeks.
QUOTES
Ireland Said Yes is more than just discussing a referendum — it’s about highlighting the decades of LGBT activism decades before, alongside the personal stories that changed how Ireland sees itself. I’m so proud to reflect on this defining moment and can’t wait for people to hear it.
— Shane Daniel Byrne, presenter and writer, Ireland Said Yes
This wonderful series captures the courage, resilience, and love that drove the fight for equality in Ireland. It’s a powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made—and the work still to be done.
— Sasha Hamrogue, Head of Digital, Onic
Watch Ireland Said Yes podcast trailer now on Instagram:
Listen to a preview of Episode One now:
https://open.acast.com/public/streams/680b9272e9c0b05abfb8b54e/episodes/682b2babee813e8be2f9c0af.mp3
ABOUT SHANE DANIEL BYRNE:
Shane is one of Ireland’s most exciting and beloved comedians. Born and raised in Dublin, his quick wit and warm humour have earned him a dedicated following across Ireland and the UK. He has performed alongside comedy greats like Tommy Tiernan, David O’Doherty, and Aisling Bea. His debut solo show But He’s Gay enjoyed sell-out runs at the Edinburgh, Sydney, Melbourne and Dublin Fringe Festivals.
Shane’s podcast Hot Young Guys, co-hosted with Tony Cantwell and Killian Sundermann, quickly became Ireland’s number-one comedy podcast in 2024. He’s a regular contributor to Ireland AM, The Six O’Clock Show, and RTÉ 2FM. He has appeared on The Late Late Show, Celebrity Gogglebox Ireland, Last One Laughing: Ireland and The Tommy Tiernan Show. Next year he stars in the forthcoming comedy-drama series These Sacred Views, created by award-winning Irish writer-director John Butler (The Outlaws, Handsome Devil).
Ireland Said Yes - Podcast Links
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1niQI4ZwmqvGjcw5Gf4Uz4?si=fa85eb2fec87426f
Apple Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/ireland-said-yes/id1814638809
Acast:
https://shows.acast.com/ireland-said-yes
Shane Daniel Byrne - Social Media - Links:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/shanedanbyrne
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@shanedanbyrne_?lang=en