A true love story: Couple renew marriage vows in Limerick 66 years after wedding day

A COUPLE who met at a dance almost 70 years ago in a Tipperary hotel have renewed their wedding vows in a famous Limerick venue where many love stories also started.

Anna, aged 87, and Charlie Davis, 92, first caught each other’s eye at a social in the Galtee Hotel in Cahir in 1956 before getting married three years later. Fast forward 66 years and they have reiterated their love for one another in Ennis Road Care Facility. It was formerly the Two Mile Inn, home to countless dinner dances and Poldark’s night club.

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Anna, from Tipperary Town, remembers like it was yesterday that Charlie, of O’Connell Avenue, Limerick city asked her to dance 69 years ago.

“I said, ‘Yes, I’d like to’. After the dance he said he’d love to meet me again but I thought that was the end of it. The next thing he rang me and asked me if I would like to go to a ball. He said he would collect me and it went from there,” said Anna.

They were man and wife three years later in 1959.

“You didn’t hang about in those days,” she laughed.

The couple worked together in Charlie’s family business of Davis Printers and raised their own family of three children. They have seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 

Charlie went to reside in Ennis Road Care Facility five years ago and was joined by Anna two years ago.

They renewed their wedding vows at a special ceremony. They even had a stag and hen do in the days leading up to it. 

The dining room was laid out like a wedding with a top table for Charlie and Anna, best man Thomas Bowler and bridesmaid - activities co-ordinator Lisa McGowan.

The ceremony was conducted by CEO Eveline Sheehan who had taken a course to be a celebrant. All the care facility’s residents were special guests at the big party.

Anna said it was an amazing day.

“I couldn’t praise Ennis Road Care Facility enough - the way they have treated us and treat everybody. They pulled out all the stops to make it a very special day,” said Anna.

Eveline said it was an immense and profound pleasure to stand with Anna and Charlie and assist with their heartfelt vows renewal ceremony. 

“The palpable love and enduring commitment they share created an atmosphere of pure joy and warmth, making it a truly beautiful occasion to witness. To reflect on the amazing 69 years they have spent together is nothing short of inspirational, a testament to a lifetime of shared memories and devotion. 

“Moreover, it was a sincere honour to be chosen to guide them through this significant moment, affirming their journey together and the unwavering strength of their bond after all these years. 

“To share in such a private and meaningful celebration of their marriage is a memory I will deeply cherish,” said Eveline.

Charlie and Anna are wished many more years of health and happiness.