Inside the fairytale wedding of Limerick hurling captain Declan Hannon and his love Louise
THE FIRST photos have been released of Limerick hurling captain Declan Hannon and his bride Louise Cantillon on their wedding day.
The five-time All-Ireland winning captain, from Adare, married his long-time love Louise Cantillon, from Kilcornan, in Holy Trinity Abbey Church in Adare on Friday afternoon.
The happy couple and their guests had only a short distance to travel - they had to cross the road - to reach their stunning wedding reception venue, the five-star Adare Manor estate for their black-tie celebration.
Guests arrived at the main function hall to the sounds of a jazz band before tucking into a sumptuous meal. They then joined the newlyweds on the dancefloor where they boogied the night away to a DJ and percussion ensemble.
The Cranberries hit, Zombie, and Westlife’s, When You're Looking Like That - both tracks which have become anthems of the Limerick hurling team - had guests in full voice surrounding the elated couple.
Guests took part in a special send-off sparkler display on the grounds of the manor under the cloak of darkness as temperatures stayed well into the late teens on what was one of the hottest days of the year.
The grand exit saw guests wave wedding sparklers to illuminate the way as the newlyweds embraced.
Among the guests at the wedding were Danny O’Reilly, lead singer with The Coronas, hurling manager John Kiely along with Declan's teammates including Cian Lynch, Aaron Gillane, Graeme Mulcahy, Mike and Peter Casey, Diarmaid Byrnes and Dan and Tom Morrissey who, in keeping with the black-tie theme, wore tuxedo suits. They were accompanied by their partners who wore long evening gowns.
Louise paired her dress with glamorous matching long gloves. She wore her hair in a sleek up-do which was set off beautifully with a white veil. Her bridesmaids - which included her sisters - wore white and sage green dresses which also carried the feather theme.
The beaming bride posed for photos with her new husband under the splendid sunshine with temperatures reaching up to 28° at lunchtime as the couple greeted guests outside the church. Up to 50 onlookers including American tourists had gathered outside the church to watch the happy couple as they emerged as husband and wife.
The groom looked sharp in a black tuxedo and dark shades and posed for photos at the door of the church beside his all-conquering Limerick hurling teammates.
It’s been a long and fun-filled courtship for the popular couple who first met at Insomnia, a teenage disco in Garryowen Rugby Club, when they were 15 and 16. Fast forward 15 years and the newlyweds took to the dancefloor of the five-star Adare Manor later on Friday night for their first dance as a married couple.