Paddy & Janet xxWell, I had the honour of being asked by Paddy and Janet to be a guest at their wedding, in Ireland, Friday, 3rd November, 2006. As I was stuck with D at the time, he came along too lol.
D and I flew over to Dublin from Blackpool on the Wednesday morning, hired a car, stayed overnight in Dublin, and set off to drive to Athy, Kildare, Thursday afternoon, to meet up with everyone in anticipation of the wedding on Friday.
Janet had organised 3nights BB and evening meals for around £300 each couple (not at all bad for a 4 star) if people wanted, called the Clanard Hotel, in the middle of the countryside. It was also the place where the Reception was to be held, so it was perfect as the location. I thought it was also a great chance to have a nosey round central Ireland whilst we were there as we could stay until Sunday.
Not every hotel comes complete with it's own sheep...
or donkeys...but this one does!!
Well what can you say....the setting, deep in the heart of the beautiful Emerald Isle; the bride, glowing and beautiful; and the groom, tall and handsome. Just looked perfect.
In other words- never as I'd ever seen 'em before (ducks out of way of flying sharp objects...) ha ha ha!!!
I've always had a massive soft-spot for Janet. Afterall, she is Ann's little sister (well not so little, but I've known her since she was 10, so to me she'll always be the wee one). She's now a young woman of 31. That's a long time to know someone- to be irritated by, to sometimes wish you had a baseball bat targeted against their head, be sad for, to be happy and excited for, to care about!
Janet and Paddy got married in Moone, Co. Kildare, where Paddy grew up before moving over to the UK to do his degree and become a Farm manager. Janet worked as an accountant for the Co-op (farming side), and that's how they met...awwww!!!!! Her uncle John gave her away, as her dad Trevor has been passed for 16 years now. Her Mum Marian, passed away last October. Both Trevor and Marian's own wedding day photo was on the top table, and were mentioned in the speeches, causing me and others to cry, to be honest, in a weirdly sad but nice way.
Walked down the Aisle...
The weather was crisp and bright, and the service was beautiful.
All official now- it's too late missus!!
But to see her being married, was just something I wish her Mum and Dad had been able to see. They would have loved Patrick- he's a brilliant, smart and funny guy, and his family are amazingly warm people too.
There were loads of people that flew in for the Day, and there must have been 100+ people. Paddy and his family know how to party- and party we all did, in true Irish style!
Fantastic day and night had by all xx
