Mayo win sees 'unprecedented' surge in mobile data usage 

Eir reports 6% increase in data usage compared to an average day, while Vodafone recorded its highest-ever roaming data traffic peak

Mayo manager Andy Moran, left, and Mayo captain Jack Coyne celebrate with the Sam Maguire Cup during the homecoming celebrations in Castlebar. Mayo's historic All-Ireland win saw a massive hike in mobile data usage, with networks reporting a surge in demand, including the largest ever increase in Irish roaming traffic.

Mayo's historic All-Ireland win over Kerry on Sunday saw a massive hike in mobile data usage, with networks reporting a surge in demand, including the largest ever increase in Irish roaming traffic.

Eir said the outpouring of joy saw supporters take to their phones to celebrate, resulting in an "unprecedented" 36% increase in data usage compared to an average day. Data traffic across eir's four main mobile network sites in Castlebar jumped by almost 49% on the night of the team homecoming, rising from 4.5TB the previous Sunday to 6.7TB. 

“To see a whopping 36% increase in data usage during Mayo’s historic win demonstrates just how central streaming has become to everyday life in Ireland," said an Eir spokesperson.

Meanwhile Vodafone Ireland recorded its highest-ever roaming data traffic peak during Sunday's final. Roaming traffic increased by 80% above the typical daily peak, making it the highest roaming traffic spike ever recorded on the Vodafone Ireland network.

"Major sporting events continue to drive significant increases in data demand as customers stream coverage, share reactions and stay connected with friends and family. The All-Ireland final delivered the highest roaming peak ever recorded on Vodafone Ireland's network, highlighting the growing role connectivity plays in how fans experience and share major sporting moments both at home and aboard," said Vodafone Ireland network director Sheila Kavanagh.

The surge in data demand from Mayo's ending of a 75-year wait for the men's All-Ireland football crown came on the back of increased demand from the World Cup. 

The World Cup Final delivered one of the busiest evenings on Vodafone Ireland's network this year, with mobile data traffic increasing by 32%. During the tournament, network traffic peaks were 40% above normal levels, while roaming usage surged by up to 39% as customers stayed connected from abroad.

Eir said its data usage for the final between Spain and Argentina generated an additional 30% surge in demand for mobile data traffic.