Just before St Patrick’s, I was down in Dundalk for Kelly and Conall’s big day, starting off at the magnificent St Joseph’s Redemptorist Church. It really is a feast for the eyes – I wonder if it shares an architect with Church of the Sacred Heart in nearby Newry? After a lovely ceremony conducted by Fr Ryan Holovlasky, we briefly stopped by the nearby Greenore Railway Saloon for some drinks and photos in their vintage smoking room, which was modelled on a 19th-century railway waiting room.

Then it was on to the Priest’s Beach (also known as the Ladies Beach) in Blackrock, with local photographer Fra Lucchesi leading the shoot against the scenic backdrop of Dundalk Bay. The subsequent reception was held at the Fairways Hotel just up the road. Big evening highlights included David, the impressive black-tie magician, going table-to-table during the evening, and in a surprise turn – Kelly’s very talented uncle took to the mic during the first dance to perform with Vertigo. Needless to say, the dance floor was packed all night!

Magic moments