Louise Dodrill, executive registrar with the HSE’s Civil Registration Office
My alarm goes off but I snooze for 10 minutes. I leave my house between 7am and 7.15am with a cup of tea for the journey and listen to the radio or music en route. I’m sure I’ve been caught singing (crowing) at the top of my voice by other drivers. My journey takes over an hour, even though I don’t live far from my office.
As an executive registrar, I manage the Marriage Department of the Civil Registration Service (births, deaths, marriages) and my duties vary. They include conducting marriage appointments where I meet the happy couples who present to our office to serve their statutory requirement of three months notice to the Irish State of their intention to marry. I enjoy hearing how they met and how the proposal came about.
I have a quick cup of tea while checking emails.
I’m generally on the go at lunchtime but when I’m in the Dublin office, I try to meet friends that work in town for a quick bite.
As a marriage registrar, a huge part of my role is officiating at civil ceremonies. These can take place onsite in our registry office or off-site — hotel, restaurant, stately home or associated gardens, weather permitting.
I get immense enjoyment out of this part of my profession; I get swept up in the romance of each wedding.
It’s a milestone event for every couple and I often find myself calming the groom’s nerves before the bride arrives.
I’ve had the pleasure of officiating at my best friend’s wedding.
I like to finish by 5pm though I’m often in the office much later. The eastern region is responsible for Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow, so my job takes me around these counties.
If I’m leaving a wedding venue I’ll pop home, change and go to a dance class or for a swim.
I love being cosy so the second I have my pyjamas on, I’m winding down for bed. I fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.
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