‘Amazing couple’: Two Limerick All-Ireland winners tie the knot in style

TWO Limerick All-Ireland winners were a perfect match on their beautiful wedding day.

Retired Limerick hurler Richie English wed long-term partner and ladies footballer Kathleen Fitzgibbon on Friday.

The ceremony took place in the Church of the Sacred Heart in Kathleen’s home parish of Oola where she sings in the choir. The Mass was said by Fr Jimmy Donnelly, parish priest of Doon where Richie hails from.

Kathleen, an occupational therapist, and Richie, teacher, along with family and friends, then travelled to their reception in Dromoland Castle Hotel & Country Club

A photo of the happy couple was shared by Alans Wedding Hire on social media. Kathleen looked stunning in a strapless gown with sweetheart neckline while Richie looked very dapper in a tux.

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Richie, who brought his distinguished inter-county hurling career to a close last year, and Kathleen, a member of the Limerick junior football panel who brought All-Ireland honours back to Limerick in 2018, have long been central figures in their respective circles.

Now, they turn the page to a new chapter together. At the time of Richie's retirement, he thanked Kathleen along with his family and friends for their help and support throughout his career. 

During a nine year spell with Limerick, Richie won five All-Ireland medals and six Munster championships. The All-Star defender played a key role as Limerick ended their 45-year wait for the Liam MacCarthy Cup in 2018.

He was captain of the Limerick minor side who won the 2013 Munster title, bridging a gap of 29 years for success at that age grade.

Two years later he was named the U21 player of the championship as Limerick conquered the age grade for the first time since the early noughties. Richie was also part of the Mary Immaculate College side that won the Fitzgibbon Cup in 2016 and 2017. In 2024, Richie was a vital cog in Doon's first ever senior county title win.

The sporting genes are strong on both the English and Fitzgibbon sides as along with Kathleen’s talent on the pitch, her brother Eoin is a member of the full-back line on the Doon senior hurling team, while Richie is a first cousin of Cork hurler, Darragh Fitzgibbon.