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It was going to be a hectic weekend. Lisa Murray and Ian Kelly were getting married. It was going to be a beautiful wedding as Lisa and Ian would pledge their love and commitment to each other in front of their families and friends.
It was also going to be poignant for half of the guests. Lisa’s Dad, Jimmy, died last June; plunging his wife Elsie and their children, Lisa and Thomas, into the darkest days of grief and extreme loneliness.
Despite the challenging time, there was a wedding to be planned. Lisa and Ian showed serious depth of character in sticking to their plans and getting on with living.
Jimmy knew the wedding date and had given the couple his wholehearted blessing. We set out for Rahara church in Co Roscommon, leaving a water logged Co Cork behind.
By the time we were beyond Limerick, the sun was shining and, while it was cold, it was a beautiful day. The countryside got considerably drier as we pushed northwards, which was quite unusual.
The church carpark was filling fast and people looked elegant in their finery. We parked up and I started to change my shoes. The straps of my shoes were tricky.
John, Elsie’s brother, came over to welcome us and seeing me struggling with the shoes, he bent to assist. A true gentleman indeed. It set the tone for the wedding as everyone wanted to wrap this day in kindness.
We stood around marvelling at the sunshine. Those of us who had travelled remembered our last visit to Rahara church, to lay our loyal friend Jimmy to rest (RIP). Still, we were now there for Lisa and Ian’s wedding day and it was cause for celebration. The Mayo man greeted us warmly outside the church.
We stood around marvelling at the sunshine. Those of us who had travelled remembered our last visit to Rahara church, to lay our loyal friend Jimmy to rest (RIP). Still, we were now there for Lisa and Ian’s wedding day and it was cause for celebration. The Mayo man greeted us warmly outside the church.
A little commotion
Tim went on in and I held back to get a quick picture of Lisa. Lisa’s mam, Elsie, arrived looking gorgeous in pink. The wedding car arrived and Lisa emerged in a sophisticated, off the shoulder, rich satin wedding gown.
It had a tulle overskirt and train which set off Lisa’s silhouette beautifully. Her auburn hair was up-styled tightly and had little flowers embedded in it to one side. Lisa was the perfect bride. I snapped my picture and went to join Tim inside.
Soon, there was a little commotion at the back of the church as the flower girls, Fiadh and Caoimhe, were set in motion. The adorable page boys were not quite ready for the limelight and needed a bit of coaxing. Then, Lisa was in the doorway on the arm of her handsome brother, Thomas. I watched her steel herself and begin the walk to happiness. Everything about her said “I’ve got this!” A beautiful ceremony followed based on the theme of love.
The second reading from the book of Sirach began, “A loving partner is a safe shelter, whoever finds one has found a rare treasure…” Lisa and Ian had each found their treasures. There were hugs galore and sincere congratulations for the couple as people left the church.
Then it was onward to Kilronan Castle in Ballyfarnon, North Roscommon, nestled in the depths of unspoilt countryside for the reception. The castle was built in the 18th century. It is accessed by a long avenue through forestry and is surrounded by 50ac of lush green lawns and fields overlooking the beautiful Lough Meelagh. It is indeed luxurious and grand.
Speeches
The speeches were held before the meal. Thomas made a fine speech on behalf of the Murray family. He referred to his late dad, Jimmy, and how much he would have enjoyed Lisa’s wedding day.
Then Ian, in his speech, referred to the love and high regard that he had for Jimmy. He went on to talk about the many years that the guests had known Jimmy for and how much we were all missing him. Silent tears escaped as each of us profoundly felt the loss of Jimmy for Elsie, Lisa, Ian and Thomas and ourselves on this special day.
A line was drawn under the grief for a while and everyone enjoyed a tasty meal. We drank champagne and wholeheartedly toasted Lisa and Ian’s happiness on several occasions.
There was merriment and chat and constant dancing for the rest of the evening. May they always have laughter, love and happiness in their lives. Congratulations.
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