Facebook Ireland has shared their annual ‘Year in Review’, reflecting on the big moments that connected Ireland, even when we were apart, this year.
Commenting on the 2020 ‘Year in Review’, Gareth Lambe, Head of Facebook Ireland said: “People have always come to Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp to build community and connect with friends and family.
“This year, people have shown remarkable community spirit, support for each other and local businesses and incredible ingenuity on our platforms.
“This year’s reflection of big moments shows first-hand that when people are connected they can achieve extraordinary things.”
2020 Year in Review
Covid-19 was a much-talked about moment that generated some of the highest levels of interaction across Facebook’s apps, and topics included the following;
- First confirmed case of COVID-19 in Northern Ireland
- Hozier’s performance of Parting Glass remembering COVID-19 victims
- Leo Varadkar addressing the nation about the first lockdown measures
- Launch of the HSE contact tracing app
- Suspension of GAA games
- ‘Staycations’ as travel was restricted during the summer months
Under extraordinary circumstances, communities found ways to connect, learn and grow through online communities on Facebook, particularly in Facebook groups.
- 250,000+ people joined hobby Groups on Facebook after 12th of March
- 120,000+ people joined fitness and wellbeing Groups on Facebook since the lockdown started
- 60,000+ parents flocked to Facebook during the lockdown for tips about online art classes for kids, advice on parenting allowances and more
- As parents became full-time educators, members of home schooling Groups on Facebook doubled, to 10,000 during lockdown
In the last 3 months, people rallied behind small Irish businesses more than ever as many businesses couldn’t operate as normal, buy joining groups on Facebook and sharing hashtags on Instagram.
- 250,000+ people joined Groups on Facebook backing small Irish businesses this Christmas
- 325,000+ posts and comments supporting small Irish businesses
- #MadeLocal, #BuyIrish and #ShopLocal are among the biggest growing hashtags on Instagram
- 30,000+ Instagram Stories in Ireland had the ‘Support Small Business’ sticker
Ireland raised funds for important causes, and people came to Facebook to raise vital funds for Irish charities. Some of the top fundraisers in Ireland were on behalf of;
- The Mater Foundation
- Pieta House
- Duathlon for Dan (Do it for Dan)
- Irish Cancer Society
- Dogs Trust Ireland
People came to Facebook to commemorate those who left a lasting legacy in Ireland such as John Hume, Jack Charlton and Marian Finucane as well as global figures such as George Floyd, Kobe Bryant and Caroline Flack.
Among the top growing Instagram accounts in Ireland this year were actor Paul Mescal and musician Dermot Kennedy. Others included Tanaiste Leo Varadkar, Minister Simon Harris TD and influencer Rozanna Purcell.
- Marty Morrissey at the premiere of the Hurler -A Campions Tale
- National deaf charity Chime’s new specialist team in Dublin will be a “game changer”
- Dementia Carers Evening at the Mansion House
- LGBT Ireland launch empowering anthems campaign ahead of national coming out day
- The cast of Disney’s The Lion King touch down in Dublin
