To our favourite people, near and far: a few pictures to pass the time until April.
The only double date they've ever agreed on
Two clubs, two cups, one very smug photo
Dubai. Carrying the team as usual
Vegas. Scouting trip, allegedly
Atlantic wind 1, hairdo 0
Golden hour, no filter needed
Crete. Himself packed one shirt
Found a wall, made it theirs
A birthday, written in sand
Three frames, no retakes
Two days in April
Friday is the wedding: Monaleen Church at one o'clock, then on to the Woodlands in Adare. Saturday is Day 2 at the Treehouse from four, and Day 2 is for everybody.
September 2020, LYIT Donegal v the Eagles. Niall gave Orlaith a thumbs-up across the hall. He still calls it smooth.
Shake Dog
Later that night, after a night out, the first proper chat happened in Shake Dog, the late-night takeaway. He had the chicken. She had the cheese and garlic chips. That was that.
Limerick and Derry
She is Limerick, proudly. He is Derry, prouder still: the Walls, the Peace Bridge, the Guildhall. Two counties, one house, and basketball in it seven days a week. She plays for the Huskies; he coaches the Eagles. She teaches small people; he works in coach education for Basketball Ireland.
The Dubai chapter
Orlaith lived in Dubai for two years and loved it. Niall flew out five times. Five.
Down on one knee. Wrong ball, same answer.
Kilkee
Her favourite place in the world since childhood summers. So that is exactly where he asked.
She said yes before the wind could carry the question off.
Kilkee, minutes later. Ring on.
1 thumbs-up · 2 counties · 2 years in Dubai · 5 flights · 23.04.27
Draft wording. Our own words to follow.
The Day
Two days. Friday is the wedding; Saturday is Day 2 at the Treehouse.
Friday 23 April 2027
The wedding
Monaleen Church, Castletroy
12:30pmDoors open at Monaleen Church
1:00pmThe ceremonyWith Monsignor Dan Neenan. The time may move to 1:30; the invites will confirm it.
2:00pmConfetti and photographs outside the church
The Woodlands, Adare
3:00pmDrinks reception at the Woodlands
5:00pmDinner is calledWe make our entrance at 5:15.
7:00pmSpeeches
8:00pmThe cake
8:15pmEvening guests join us
8:30pmFirst dance, then the band
11:00pmDJ until late
Everything after the ceremony is the working plan. Final times come with the invites.
Monaleen Church
Castletroy, Limerick
The ceremony, at one o'clock. Castletroy is on Limerick's east side; from Adare, leave a good forty minutes.
The M1 to Dublin, then the M7 the whole way down. About four hours from Belfast, closer to five from Derry. Half of Derry travels down on the Thursday night: join the convoy.
Flying in
Shannon is the one you want, thirty minutes from Adare. Cork is about an hour and three quarters; Dublin about two and a half hours by motorway.
The Dunraven ArmsAdare village, five minutes away. Book early.
Limerick cityThe Strand, the Clayton or the George, about twenty-five minutes.
Adare ManorTen minutes, should the lottery land that week.
Parking
Plenty at the Woodlands. Church parking notes come with the invites. Car-pool if you can.
Taxis
Local numbers come with the invites. The hotel desk will sort the end of the night.
Weather
Ireland in April: four seasons before the soup. Everything that matters is indoors; bring a coat for the photographs.
The Wedding Party
The people keeping us upright on the day.
With Orlaith
SJ
Sarah Jane
Chief Bridesmaid
A
Avril Crosse
Bridesmaid
R
Rhea McMahon
Bridesmaid
L
Laura
Bridesmaid
With Niall
F
Feargal McDermott
Best Man
G
Gary Campbell
Groomsman
S
Sean Doherty
Groomsman
C
Ciaran Lockhart
Groomsman
FAQ
The questions people ask us most, answered.
What do I wear?
Your good stuff: colour, style, whatever makes you feel great. Two asks only: nothing white unless you're Orlaith, and no club jerseys. Either club.
Is Saturday really for everyone?
Day 2 is for everybody.
Really. The Treehouse from four o'clock, no dress code. Travelling guests especially: you're not to sit in a hotel room.
Can I bring the kids?
Your invite will name everyone included. If you're unsure, ask us straight out.
Phones in the church?
We'll confirm on the invites. Either way, our photographer and videographer have the big moments covered, so you can enjoy this one with your own eyes.
Presents?
Having you there is the present. If you'd like to do more, there will be a card box on the day, and that is the last we'll say of it.
Parking at the church?
Notes come with the invites. Car-pooling encouraged, especially for the northern convoy.
When do I reply by?
1 March 2027, to be confirmed on the invites. Reply early and forget about it. Kindly reply
Kindly reply
The reply card does the work: thirty seconds, done.
Replies by 1 March 2027 (to be confirmed on the invites)
A preview: nothing is saved yet. The real reply card opens with the invites.
Wonderful
This was a preview, so nothing has been sent.
No form? The old ways work: tell any of the wedding party.
