A Last Dance Before the Storm: Irish Wedding Celebrated Weeks Before COVID Lockdowns
Table of Contents
A couple seized a moment of joy and normalcy, exchanging vows in Clifden, Ireland, on February 21, 2020 – just weeks before the world changed with the onset of COVID-19 lockdowns. The wedding, a deeply personal affair rooted in family and tradition, unfolded with a sense of luck and unawareness of the impending global crisis.
A Fortuitous Celebration in Clifden
The celebration took place in the picturesque town of Clifden, holding special significance for the bride, whose mother hails from the area and where many family members still reside. The ceremony was held at St. Joseph’s church, followed by a reception at the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, a venue the bride had long admired for its welcoming atmosphere. “I had my heart set on the Abbeyglen, I just love the feeling in the hotel, they really make you feel like you’re special when you’re there,” she recalled.
The couple hosted 140 guests, a number they considered intimate, with the Abbeyglen providing the perfect setting for the occasion. The entire hotel was booked for the night, allowing for a seamless and immersive experience for all attendees.
Seamless Planning and a Personal Touch
The Abbeyglen’s owner, Brian [Hughes], took a leading role in the wedding planning, assuring the couple, “we know what we’re doing.” This proved accurate, as the hotel managed all aspects of the event, including menu planning. The bride found her dress at Belladonna in Galway, a store that has since closed, and remarkably, it was the first dress she tried on. Describing herself as decisive, she knew immediately it was the one, seeking a simple design with cap sleeves and lace.
Despite a typical February day’s weather, the couple remained optimistic. The ceremony proceeded without issue, and while photos had to be taken indoors, they were fortunate to avoid the rain during their entrance and exit from the church.
A Bilingual Ceremony and Musical Heritage
The wedding ceremony was conducted in the Irish language, Gaeilge, officiated by Father Billy, the bride’s local priest. Music played a central role, featuring performances by the bride’s friend Sheona Ní Mháille and her sister Sarah. Reflecting the bride’s own artistic background – she is a sean nós singer – her former teacher even sang the psalm during the ceremony, adding a deeply personal touch.
“The ceremony was as Gaeilge, and Fr Billy, my local priest, married us. We had music from my friend Sheona Ní Mháille and her sister Sarah. I sing sean-nós, and my old teacher from when I was growing up actually sang the psalm for me. That was special,” she stated.
Candid Moments and Unexpected Revelry
The drinks reception following the ceremony proved to be a highlight of the day. The couple prioritized candid photography, wanting to capture genuine moments of connection and laughter. Their photographer, described as a “ninja,” expertly documented the event without being intrusive.
The reception continued at the Abbeyglen, where the band Oddity provided entertainment, transitioning into a DJ set later in the evening. In a surprising turn, the couple didn’t select a first dance song, simply allowing the band to play a tune and embracing the spontaneity of the moment. The evening took an even more unexpected turn when the hotel owner, Brian, distributed county color hats, leading to a lively conga line throughout the hotel.
A Lasting Impression of Hospitality
The staff at the Abbeyglen, particularly Brian, were praised for their exceptional service. He went above and beyond, remembering guests’ names and even playing piano until 5 a.m. The following morning, he presented the couple with a photo album filled with candid snapshots taken throughout the wedding, a thoughtful gesture that encapsulated the joy of the day.
The bride, Orla Ní Fhinneadha, now presents the weather on TG4 and has recently been appointed the sean-nós singer in residence at the University of Galway, reflecting a continued dedication to her cultural heritage. The wedding, a celebration of love and tradition, stands as a poignant reminder of a time before the world changed, a last dance before the storm.
