Rio, Rising, and Robbie’s goal top Twitter trends
Political milestones such as Britain voting to leave the EU and the US election were among the most tweeted about topics worldwide, with #Brexit and #election2016 among top 10 global hashtags throughout the year, according to the study from social-media analytics firm Olytico.
Sporting moments also ranked high in Twitter’s list of global trends, with the hashtags #EURO2016 and #RIO2016.
In Ireland, Come on you boys in green (#COYBIG) was the number one sports trend, with Ireland’s win over Italy at the Euros one of the most tweeted about moments of the year.
Up Skibb! Well done #ODonovanBoys #Rio2016 #IRl #Silver #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/VkmWuVMg1a
— Gleneagle INEC Arena (@GlenINECArena) August 12, 2016
This year also saw Twitter users pay tribute to celebrities and sporting heroes who passed away such as Prince, David Bowie, Muhammad Ali and Anthony Foley, the study found.
At home, the general election (#GE16), calls to repeal the Eighth Amendment (#repealthe8th) and the 1916 centenary commemorations (#ireland2016) were the top three trends, according to Olytico.
Easter Rising heroes being led away after fighting an Empire #EasterRising #Ireland2016 #Centenary pic.twitter.com/inHXAqxUaQ
— Easter Rising 1916 (@IrishRepubIic) April 29, 2016
Mental health, the Leaving Cert exams and Apple tax also made in into the top 10 trends that had Irish people tweeting.
RTÉ’s Leaders Debate in the run-up to the general election was the top trending television show in Ireland, ranking higher than Game of Thrones.
The Eurovision Song Contest and Celebrity Big Brother are also among the most tweeted about shows, the study found with the Rose of Tralee, Vincent Browne Live, and The Late Late Show all featuring in the top 10.
As well as leading the way globally, Donald Trump was the most tweeted about person in Ireland followed by Conor McGregor, with former Olympic Council of Ireland chairperson Pat Hickey also receiving attention from Twitter users.
Terror attacks in Brussels and in Nice, as well as the mass shooting in Orlando, were among the most widely tweeted about international news stories in Ireland, as well as the hashtag #Black LivesMatter.
