Friday 23 April. The ceremony is at Monaleen Church, Castletroy, at 1:00 pm (the invites will confirm the time). Then on to the Woodlands in Adare for dinner, speeches and dancing until late.
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.
Down on one knee. Wrong ball, same answer.
The Dubai chapter
Orlaith lived in Dubai for two years and loved it. Niall flew out five times. Five.
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.
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.
On the morning
The church is in Castletroy, on Limerick's east side. From Adare, leave a good forty minutes.
Ireland in April: four seasons before the soup. Everything that matters is indoors; bring a coat for the photographs.
Staying over
The Woodlands itselfRooms at the venue go first. Ring the hotel and say you're with the wedding. Open in Maps
The Dunraven ArmsAdare village, five minutes away. Book early.
Limerick cityThe Strand, the Clayton, 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.
Wedding Party
Orlaith's side
Sarah JaneChief Bridesmaid
Avril CrosseBridesmaid
Rhea McMahonBridesmaid
LauraBridesmaid
Niall's side
Feargal McDermottBest Man
Gary CampbellGroomsman
Sean DohertyGroomsman
Ciaran LockhartGroomsman
Any of them will pass on a message, a reply or a question.
Questions & answers
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).
No form? The old ways work: tell any of the wedding party.
A preview: nothing is saved yet. The real reply card opens with the invites.
Thank you
A preview: nothing is saved yet. The real reply card opens with the invites.
