From Croker to the church: Limerick family's week to remember!

FROM Croke Park to the church altar, one Limerick family have enjoyed a week they will never forget!

First, hurlers Peter and Michael Casey started and finished an All-Ireland senior final together for the first time, Peter winning man-of-the-match.

And just six days later, their elder sister Emma tied the knot with her childhood sweetheart, Kevin McNamara.

“It’s been a really happy, busy week. A week of dreams really,” said their mother Helen Casey.

Above: Kevin McNamara with Emma after exchanging their vows

“The wedding was the crowning end to a glorious week.”

Emma, who teaches at Christ the King National School in Caherdavin, married Kevin, a vet, at Meelick Church.

Outside the church, there was a unique sculpture celebrating the union of the pair who have dated since they were teenagers.

Rather than going out marking Limerick’s record-equalling victory over Kilkenny, their father Michael Snr worked painstakingly with his neighbour David Coffey to put together a remarkable bride-and-groom made out of hay bales, pictured below.

Taking up the story, Helen said: “Everything in it, apart from the bride’s skirt which was a flower trellis, they found in bits and pieces on the farm. All these bits and pieces, they bent and twisted and did whatever they could to make it. They aren't very artistic, but they put their creative heads together!”

Above: Emma with her bridesmaids outside Meelick Church

Following the wedding day, the straw couple are in the family shed.

“I don't know what their fate will be. It all depends whether they can get another cut of silage so they don't have to use the bales!”

While Peter and Michael’s exploits on the field are well-documented, Emma is also an accomplished sportswoman.

She played rugby for Munster's U17s, and captained Shannon’s ladies team to win the only trophy in their history two years ago. Also, she has played in goal for Na Piarsaigh’s underage and senior camogie sides.

The wedding reception took place at Ashley Park House in Nenagh, and Helen admitted her two sons were not impressed at the trip to Tipp!

“But this was Emma’s day. The boys have had enough days. Her line was: ‘It’s all about me this time’,” smiled her mother.

At Croke Park, Michael and Peter took the Liam MacCarthy Cup over to their proud sister, mum and dad at the earliest opportunity, picture below.

Helen - who admits she kept her eyes closed most of the game due to the tension said: “It’s great to have these happy days and these memories to look back on. After Covid, there have been lots of ups and downs. A lot of people close to us would have loved to be here for both occasions. We’re so delighted to be part of the Limerick journey.”

Emma posted a picture of the family with the trophy in Croke Park online immediately after, writing: “The start of a great week.”

And so it proved to be!