Wedding of the week: A Kerry and Mayo match in which both sides win

Kiara Carolan, Killorglin, Co Kerry, and Kealen Conboy, Claremorris, Co Mayo, are married in St Mary's Cathedral, Killarney, with reception in The Brehon Hotel

Sat, 28 Mar, 2026 - 21:51

Eve Kelliher

Kerry-Mayo colours were flying high as Kiara Carolan and Kealen Conboy exchanged vows.

Kiara Carolan and Kealen Conboy share a drink below Kerry-Mayo colours

Kiara, from Killorglin, and Kealen, from Claremorris, were married in St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney, by Fr Pat Hogan, Moyross, Limerick, and held their reception in The Brehon Hotel.

Both primary schoolteachers in Limerick City, the couple first met 11 years ago, at a Halloween college party in D’Icon in Limerick. “Kiara was dressed up as a fairy but broke a wing due to some questionable dance moves,” says Kealen. “I noticed the broken wing from across the dance floor and tried to fix it. I had no luck with fixing the broken wing, but I did get Kiara’s number.”

Kiara Carolan and Kealen Conboy. Pictures: Padraig Healy Photography

Kealen popped the question during a beach stroll on a day out in Kilkee, Co Clare, on May 19, 2024.

Very much remembered on their big day were Kiara’s sister, the late Tara Carolan, and Kealen’s father, the late Sean Conboy. “We had beautiful pictures of Tara and Sean on the altar,” says Kiara. “On my bouquet, I had a small picture of my sister, which made me feel a little closer to her on the day.”

Tara, who died last year, will be Kiara’s “forever maid of honour”, adds the bride: “She booked all the wedding dress appointments and picked the shop — The White Ivy was the only choice in her eyes, she helped choose and approve the wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, and the reception venue. Tara was such a big part of the day, and we miss her dearly.”

Kiara Carolan. Pictures: Padraig Healy Photography

Kiara’s cousin Orla Murphy was the chief bridesmaid, and her friends Mairead Rafferty, Emer Moore, and Elaine Carroll were her bridesmaids. The bride’s niece, Freya Carolan, and her niece and godchild, Síofra Glynn, were the flowergirls.

Kiara Carolan with her dad Michael Carolan and bridal party. Pictures: Padraig Healy Photography

Kealen’s friend John Hutton was his best man, and his brothers Aidan Conboy and Jarlath Conboy were his groomsmen, along with his friend Sean Doherty, while his nephew and godson Calvin Conboy was junior groomsman and ringbearer.

Kealen Conboy with John Hutton, Aidan Conboy, Jarlath Conboy, Sean Doherty and godson Calvin Conboy. Pictures: Padraig Healy Photography

The newlyweds paid tribute to mother-of-the-groom Nuala Conboy and the bride’s parents, Joan and Michael Carolan, for their support, as well as Tara’s fiancé, Johnny Mahon. “Having him there was like having a little piece of Tara with us on the day,” says Kiara.

Kealen Conboy and his mother Nuala Conboy. Pictures: Padraig Healy Photography

Despite an orange warning, the weather gods favoured this golden couple, which meant a photoshoot through the Gap of Dunloe, culminating in pints at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, was possible. “I think we spent more time on the weather app than anything else that week, our screen time for that alone was embarrassing,” says Kiara.

Kiara Carolan and her dad Michael Carolan. Pictures: Padraig Healy Photography

The bride, who had worked and performed as an Irish dancer at Kate Kearney’s Cottage for 15 years, adds: “We also had our day-two [celebration] here, we wouldn’t have it anywhere else.”

Meanwhile, during the wedding, Kiara and her Irish dance troupe brought a new level of energy to the reception.

The bride wore a Rosa Clara ‘Amado’, from The White Ivy, as her main wedding gown and an ‘Anna’ dress by Rosie Etienne Bridal for her Irish dance performance and later changed into a third dress, the Feeling of Forever dress, Lulus.

The bridal hairstyling was by Noelle Casey with makeup by Sharon O’Sullivan. The groom and his party were dapper in tuxes thanks to Esquires, Limerick City.

The newlyweds enjoyed a minimoon in Vilamoura, Portugal, and chose Dubai as their honeymoon destination.