The Walled City marathon last Sunday in Derry was a special occasion for everyone who crossed that finish line after the gruelling 26.2 mile run. But for one Derry man, Joseph Kennedy, crossing the finish line was not quite the end of a journey, but in fact the beginning of life’s greatest journey – marriage. As Joseph crossed the line on Sunday with his girlfriend beside him, he immediately dropped on one knee and proposed. It really was a beautiful sight in the Sunday sun amid all the marathon activity.
Eimear Kelly is Josephs long standing girlfriend and it was clear that she had NO idea what was in store.
The couple have been together for the past five years and Bogside man, Joseph, who was running the gruelling race for the MS Society, explained it was the easiest decision he’s ever made!
“It started off with doing a bit of training with the brother around January and then I decided to do the marathon for MS and I managed to raise about £1,000,” he said.
“As a romantic gesture I thought it would be nice to ask her to marry me at the finish line. I have the feet walked off her the last five years,” he smiled. “Luckily enough she said yes” And lucky enough his and her family were all there to witness and it was a delight to catch on camera.
For everyone who ran the Walled City Marathon 2016 it certainly was a day to remember, but for Joseph and Eimear it will be a day to remember and a day to treasure for all time.
Romance really stole the day on Sunday. Here’s wishing Joseph and Eimear all the happiness in the world and here’s to their new beginning.
GMcC