In Waterford and Wexford, where both Catholic and Protestant traditions remain visible and strong, the impressive endorsement given to the Belfast Agreement simply expressed a depth of support for accord that has been manifest often in recent years.
It was plain that some older folk, brought up on the doctrine of the territorial claim, found it hard to go along with the proposed modification of Articles 2 and 3.
"It breaks my heart to vote Yes, but . . .," was the type of comment overheard more than once by polling booth presiding officers. In the end, they accepted that the bigger picture was peace.
The Mayor of Waterford, Mr Tom Cunningham, had publicly urged the citizens to vote, "to show that they care . . . to show fellowship with both communities in the North." He said yesterday it was gratifying that Waterford people had responded so overwhelmingly to this and similar calls.
"I think the reach for peace was the key element," said Waterford TD and Minister of State, Mr Martin Cullen, at the count centre, watching the piles of Yes votes mount up. "Even though you might look at a map and say Waterford is so far from Northern Ireland, I think people realised that peace there has a big bonus even here. They realised, too, that they could be part of a significant moment."
Fine Gael councillor and former mayor, Mr Maurice Cummins, concurred: "A vote for a new beginning." There was no sign of apathy among voters. Apart from a genuine sympathy for the torment of the North, pragmatic Waterford - energetically working to build its tourism market share - showed it was keenly aware of economic realities.
Carlow-Kilkenny Fianna Fail TD, Mr Liam Aylward, reflected a similar awareness there of the potential benefits of accord. He had, early in the campaign, questioned the wisdom of changing Articles 2 and 3, but later fully endorsed his party's referendum policy.
He told Radio Kilkenny on Saturday the huge endorsement of the Belfast Agreement would bring great benefits: "Everything that's good about Ireland has now been borne out and proved to the public all over the world. I think we'll be high in people's estimation everywhere."
Church of Ireland Synod member, Mr Terry McCabe, who is to be the Ferns Diocesan Synod nominee on the reconvened Wexford Senate, said the outcome represented a good step forward - though he had some reservations - for example, the massive Yes vote in the Republic might actually strengthen the conviction of hardliners in the North the agreement was threatening to their cause. His Northern friends, also - even those who had voted Yes - would still have their reservations. Rev Sam Anketell, Minister to the United Methodist and Presbyterian congregations in Gorey, Enniscorthy and Wexford, said he was delighted with the size of the endorsement. "The majority have spoken now. Let's hope everybody has the grace to accept that," he said.
Rev Walter Forde, parish priest of Castlebridge, Co Wexford, and Vicar for Communications for the Diocese of Ferns, told First Communicants and their parents on Saturday the result meant a beginning to the building of a better future for the young throughout the island.
"It changes the whole historical set of relationships . . . I think there is great scope now for ordinary people to try to establish ties with people in Northern Ireland, whatever they're involved in - community groups, youth groups, church groups.
"The result here must be so encouraging for people from both communities in the North who have been trying to build bridges."