From tweets to Facebook status updates and Snapchats, social media users diligently covered the IFA election count for those who weren’t able to make it to the Castleknock Hotel yesterday.

The hashtag #IFAElection was trending on Twitter for the entire count, and was number one on the trends list for most of the day. People posted a mixture of behind-the-scenes shots of the count, as well as up-to-date results.

Upon election, Joe Healy immediately shot to the top of the charts as tweeters spread the good news and offered their congratulations.

This video also gives an idea of the support that was in the room for Healy.

This is the first time in the organisation’s history that the election has received this level of attention online, with social media beginning to influence the IFA’s campaign strategy after much negative commentary during the pay scandal.

The west is awake

So what was said throughout the day? We took a look at hashtag analytics tool TagSleuth for details.

The top words used with the hashtag #IFAElection included hope, reflecting the organisation’s spirit of renewal. “Joe” was the top term used throughout the day, with Shannon and Athenry also making the list. We couldn’t spot any negative posts here.

#Galway topped the list for other hashtags used throughout the day, with #westawake and #westofireland featuring too.

Indeed, the west was awake yesterday - for all the world to see.

Healy has been active on Twitter and Facebook throughout the election campaign, and this won’t be changing throughout his tenure as president as the IFA continues to embrace social media.

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Full Coverage: IFA Election Day