Marriage at Moyvalley

Started the day in a very, very tired state. It was a late one singing and our room flooded with dawn sunshine only hours after we got to bed so our breakfast appearance was slightly subdued. Apart from the previous night's happenings conversation was about how we were getting to the church. George, who turned up looking ten times worse than all of us, forgot to mention the mini-bus organised for us. At least we could recover our energies for a few hours with a 3pm ceremony. We went back to the room for a mid-morning nap.

Yesterday's fine weather had extended for a perfect day for the wedding. We all met a 2:30pm with some of us driving to the church a few miles away. We took our places and waited for the bride and a traditional Roman Catholic ceremony. Another surprise from George was discovered as I forgot where I was with the instant reaction of shouting out 'bloody hell'. After browsing through the service pamphlet I saw my name printed to read out a section of the service. A quick chat with George and I was indeed supposed to come speak to the congregation for part of the holy vow. Trying not to think about the TV series, Father Ted, the minister endearingly forgot his point halfway through his speech but mentioned his relationship being uncle to Dee having christened her all those years ago. A lot of hymn singing and some prayers later, they tied the knot.

Back at the hotel, the meal and champagne went down well as well as the company of relatives and new friends. All the speeches went without a hitch and instead of a traditional cheesy disco we were entertained by a live jazz band. By midnight, the remaining party-goers were on the SingStar in the basement bar including Dee's older family members who hadn't been around for the previous evening. We left it to them with Patsy Cline 'Crazy' being belted out.

Sunday was just about the travel. Dublin airport left a bad taste in my mouth and an ache in my stomach. Ryan Air mucked us about changing the queue three times, their staff lost it a few times with complaining customers and our baggage had gained a kilo even after packing it lighter at Gatwick! Luckily a bloke behind us suggested we take on an extra hand-luggage bag as they wouldn't notice. The other cause for sickness was my first Burger King for years - never again!