Wedding of the Week: Sunshine celebration in Kerry for Lainey and Helena

Lainey Keane, from Listowel, Co Kerry, and Helena Rohan, Waterford, are married at The Lodge at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa, Tralee

Lainey Keane and Helena Rohan. Pictures: Padraig Healy Photography

As Pink Pony Club led the upbeat soundtrack to a sunshine celebration in Kerry, Chappell Roan’s lyrics rang out in the space that’s welcomed recitals by generations of wordsmiths — John B Keane’s pub.

Lainey Keane, from Listowel, and Waterford native Helena Rohan were married at The Lodge at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa, Tralee, with their reception there also. 

Lainey Keane and Helena Rohan. Pictures: Padraig Healy Photography

“Our first dance was to 'Simply The Best' but our anthem for the weekend was ‘Pink Pony Club’!” says Lainey.

The day-two party took place in Lainey’s family hostelry and Listowel landmark, John B Keane’s. “We could really let our hair down that day!” says Helena.

A portrait of John B Keane.

Jennifer Carey officiated at The Lodge, Ballygarry, as Lainey, a psychologist, and Helena, a creative co-ordinator at a publishing company, exchanged vows. 

“It is the most spectacular venue for a ceremony, with the most amazing backdrop. Sirona Strings provided the music,” says Lainey.

Lainey Keane and Helena Rohan were married by Jennifer Carey with Lainey's brother John Keane and Helena's sister Gillian Barron in the wedding party. Pictures: Padraig Healy Photography

Macroom goldsmith Eileen Moylan made the couple’s rings, and Flowers by Josephine created the décor. 

“Without meaning to sound twee, it was the best day of our lives! There were clear blue skies, it was 24 degrees, and we were surrounded by all of the people we love,” says Lainey.

Helena Rohan and Lainey Keane with their wedding party. Pictures: Padraig Healy Photography

“Coincidentally, our wedding coincided with the 10-year anniversary of marriage equality, and that made the celebration all the more meaningful and emotional. Without the marriage [bill] referendum, we wouldn’t have been able to marry and have the wedding of our dreams."

She and Helena have been together for almost six years. Lainey proposed to Helena in Interlaken, Switzerland, in May 2024. “We met in October 2019 and we haven’t looked back since!” says Helena.

Helena Rohan. Pictures: Padraig Healy Photography

Ballygarry Estate’s resident Volkswagen ‘Splitty’ motored into action to co-star with the newlyweds on their big day as the photographer, Padraig Healy of Padraig Healy Wedding Photography ( padraighealy.com), took his place behind the lens, with videography by Limelight Wedding Films. “The attention to detail is second to none at Ballygarry — the management and staff really made our day all the more special," says Helena. 

Lainey Keane. Pictures: Padraig Healy Photography

Lainey wore a Jenny Yoo design, purchased in Attic Bridal, Limerick, and Helena’s Jesus Peiro gown was from Say I Do in Midleton. “We didn’t see one another’s dresses until the walk down the aisle,” says Helena. “We hired the tuxedos for our groomsmen and dads from Fitzgerald's Menswear, Waterford.” 

Helena Rohan. Pictures: Padraig Healy Photography

Linda Cremins from Tracey Grimes Hair and Maire Carroll, both in Listowel, were Lainey’s hair and makeup team, and Waterford hairstylist Marina Hayes and Killarney makeup artist Aifric Rice created Helena’s bridal look. Spray tans for both brides were by Glow and Go.

Lainey’s parents, Elaine and Billy Keane and Helena’s mother and father, Elaine and Gene Rohan, and the wedding party were also at the heart of the action.  “We shared our bridesmaids and groomsmen,” says Lainey. 

Lainey with her parents Billy and Elaine Keane.

“The bridesmaids were Helena’s sister Gillian Barron and my sisters Anne and Laura Keane. My brother John Keane and Helena’s brothers Paul and Colin Rohan were the groomsmen, and our pageboys and flowergirls were our nine nieces and nephews, Georgia, Fiadh, Hugo, Patrick, Ben, Isabella, Anna, Billy and Isabelle. They particularly enjoyed the ice cream at the drinks reception supplied by Pristine Occasions!”

Helena with her parents Elaine and Gene Rohan.

Springbreak ensured the dance floor was full. “We wanted everyone to have fun!” says Lainey. “We had friends and family travel from Australia, the US, the UK and other parts of Europe. It meant so much to us.” 

The newlyweds, who live in Tramore with their cavapoo puppy Cara, plan to honeymoon in Thailand in November.

Lainey Keane and Helena Rohan. Pictures: Padraig Healy Photography

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