Each week Olytico tracks the trending topics on Twitter in Ireland and across the globe. Here’s the Top 10 Trends in Ireland from the week ending February 22nd 2016 – based on the total time the term trended.
1. #FreeKesha
On February 19th, Kesha, American pop singer and rapper, lost her case to nullify her contract with Dr Luke and Sony Records. The singer wanted to end her contract after accusing Dr Luke of Sony Records of raping her when she was 18 years old, but the judge refuted with regards to the state’s laws of governing contracts.
“Dozens of Kesha fans gathered outside the New York City courthouse in support of the #FreeKesha movement and the verdict was met with anger on social media.”
Kesha blocked from exiting contract with man she claims raped her https://t.co/oxiLGtNmwe via @IrishTimesWorld pic.twitter.com/RBpiJ1DeOq
— The Irish Times (@IrishTimes) February 21, 2016
Dublin welcomed the Crème Egg Café to Canal Road on February 16th until the 20th. The café included several scrumptious items on the menu: Creme Egg toastie, Creme Egg donut, Creme Egg brownies and strawberries with Creme Egg. The entry to the café was free and guests were allowed to make donations to the national mental health charity, Aware, who are the new charity partner of Mondeléz Ireland.
Take a look inside the goo-geous Creme Egg Cafe #cremeeggCafe pic.twitter.com/wqhD4iMAYO
— Cadbury Ireland (@CadburyIreland) February 16, 2016
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) plans to visit 16 college campuses before the General Election as part of its new ‘Make A Smart Vote’ campaign. The union is advising students to seek awareness of the most relevant issues to their demographic before casting their votes on February 26th.
Students in Galway telling @KevinDonoghue they are ready to #MakeASmartVote pic.twitter.com/5nF5u36WZS
— Union of Students in Ireland (@TheUSI) February 18, 2016
4. #GeorgeRedmond
“The central figure in the corruption saga, which engrossed the nation and still impacts on planning matters to this day, spent almost half a century working as a key public servant in the capital after joining the Dublin local authorities in 1941 and leaving 48 years later.” (Irish Examiner)
George Redmond, the former assistant Dublin city and county manager, died in Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin at the age of 92 due to a short illness.
Controversial Dublin planner George Redmond has died https://t.co/3kgJLuOioE pic.twitter.com/MEQuijM1W3
— TheJournal.ie (@thejournal_ie) February 17, 2016
5. Luas
Upwards of 90,000 Dublin commuters faced multiple disruptions between February 18th and 19th as a second 48-hour strike by Luas (Dublin tram system) took place, this time at the Red Cow depot. Luas workers are striking over pay, but commuters believe they get paid enough as it is.
LUAS staff to be docked up to four days pay this month due to strike action: https://t.co/65CswaNncu pic.twitter.com/OIJkR87wg3
— Independent.ie (@Independent_ie) February 17, 2016
6. #SigersonCup
UCD captured their first Sigerson Cup title since 1996 with a 0-10 to 2-02 win over title holders DCU on February 20th in Jordanstown. After the game, UCD captain Jack McCaffrey accepted the Sigerson Cup from GAA President Aogan O Fearghail.
Well done to @UCDGAA the 2016 #SigersonCup Champions! It couldn't be more fitting. #BillingsArmy. pic.twitter.com/7Mp4ipH22P
— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) February 20, 2016
On Saturday, February 20th, thousands of people joined the race, ‘Operation Transformation.’ RTE’s Op Tran leaders, Dan, Lucy, Noeleen, Clare, and John participated in the 5k fun run and sparked ample motivation throughout Phoenix Park.
Congratulations to @OpTranRTE Leaders 2016 @sportireland #OperationTransformation pic.twitter.com/Q0kLnBCYJ2
— Sport Ireland (@sportireland) February 20, 2016
On February 17th, Independent TD for Dublin South Central, Joan Collins was cleared of a public order charge resulting from her participation in an anti-water charges protest last year. The District Court dismissed the case per request from the Dublin South-Central TD’s lawyers.
Today has so far been a good day. I even have the other Joan Collins forwarding on my messages. pic.twitter.com/1bWry3kFKf
— Joan Collins T.D. (@JoanCollinsTD) February 16, 2016
Press Statement from Joan Collins Independent TD, Dublin South Central
Today was a victory for the right to… https://t.co/aghSzSD0OR
— Joan Collins T.D. (@JoanCollinsTD) February 17, 2016
Case against me dismissed. Awaiting further news from the court. Will update later.
— Joan Collins T.D. (@JoanCollinsTD) February 17, 2016
9. Trump
Donald Trump has won the South Carolina primary in the Republican race for president, reinforcing his stance as the one to beat for the Republican party’s nomination.
“’There’s nothing easy about running for president,’ Trump said at his victory rally in Spartanburg on Saturday evening. ‘It’s tough, it’s nasty, it’s mean, it’s vicious. It’s beautiful – when you win it’s beautiful.’ His supporters erupted at his campaign headquarters when the projected results were announced.”
Everything you need to know about the 3rd major contest of the US election: South Carolina primary & Nevada caucuses https://t.co/4ypMnNC16h
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) February 21, 2016
10. Daniel
Since February 15th, the “Damn, Daniel” video has been retweeted more than 120,000 times and liked more than 145,000 times. During the 30-second video, the voiceover phrase “Damn, Daniel” is repeated while also saying, “Back at it again with the white Vans!” The video has unexpectedly gone viral and people have taken their own twists on the phrase.
“Damn Daniel” has turned a teenager into a huge memehttps://t.co/BSGNXN7aaE pic.twitter.com/vqbXKsIpoF
— BuzzFeed UK (@BuzzFeedUK) February 20, 2016