Craic On

On Saturday last I was very privileged to be the ‘Best Woman’ at my brother Ciaran’s wedding. On the same day George Clooney married Amal Alamuddin! Could they possibly be compared in terms of wedding style! Well, Ciaran made the comparison on the opening of his speech: ‘Today the world’s two most eligible bachelors got married. One, the girls love him, and the boys want to be him. The other is George Clooney’! I guess that sums up the character of my brother. Perhaps a bit of a dreamer at heart!
However George and Amal had their wedding, and Ciaran and Audrey had theirs.
Ciaran’s three piece suit may not have been ‘Armani’ and Audrey’s dress may not have been Oscar de la Renta, but they were the picture of beauty and happiness and their attire was divine. And the brides shoes were in fact Oscar de la Renta! So there Amal!

The wedding took place at the idyllic St Francis Church, Meelick, Co. Galway, and the priest was Fr John Naughton. This priest gave a very intimate and special ceremony. Emma McGuinness (sister of the bride) was bridesmaid and myself (sister of the groom), best woman. The beautiful and adorable Arabella (niece of the bride) was flowergirl. Music was provided by Martin Staunton, Helen Kilmurray and Judy McNamara.
As we departed the church, a wedding ‘ice-cream’ cart awaited us,thanks to Rockfield Ice-Cream. Every guest was given an ice-cream cone of their choice! An amazingly beautiful touch on a glorious Autumnal day.

After many photographs were taken, everyone made their way back to The Meadow Court Hotel in Loughrea, Co. Galway. This boutique hotel offered a wedding reception that would have been fit for any Hollywood actor (George you missed out big time!). Clement and his staff were outstanding in their service.
A glass of wine was had, and we, the wedding party were seated in the function room for the meal. But first there was the ‘speeches’. The groom spoke eloquently and fondly as his new bride listened. The pride in her eyes was clear to see. This is possibly the best grooms speech I have, and will ever, hear. As ‘Best Woman’ I was a tad nervous and had to speak next! But it flowed and the ‘letter’ I wrote as my wedding speech went down a storm. Phew!
An amazing meal followed. Again it was fit for any Hollywood wedding. Shortly after this it was time to cut the cake! And boy if this cake could talk, it would have one heck of a story to tell (the story shall come!).

Music then followed and Da Derga played until the wee hours. The music was exceptional and proved a huge hit with each and every guest. One band well worth looking out for. During this time Galway Photobooth were present and the photobooth welcomed just about everyone during the night. It provided an element of fun and frolics for all. The booth providers were excellent in assisting the guests and helping them make the most of the booth. Laughter prevailed with everyone! Cheers John and Elaine!
When the band finished playing, the music continued. This time it was D-John. John provided a vast array of music into the very wee hours and the guests danced until the end!
By 3.15am it was time to round off the night! Or was it? I believe it was after 5am when myself and the ringleaders Felicity, Mark, Lisa and the rest, departed the bar!
George and Amal were no doubt long gone from their guests at this stage! Or maybe not. It didn’t matter.
In Loughrea, Ciaran and Audrey gave their guests a day to remember. Perfection is impossible I believe but this wedding day came as close to it as will ever be possible.
So for now, cheers guys for an amazing day. And here’s wishing you both every happiness this world can offer you…and then some more. Live well folks, laugh often and Love always! And to George and Amal, the same!