Wedding of the Week: Cork couple ride in style to a magical day full of fun and happiness

Eileen (née O’Sullivan) Baxter and William Flaherty who were married at Springfort Hall. Hotel, Mallow, Co Cork, arriving in a Ford Model T

Eileen and William travelled in style in a vintage Ford supplied by the groom's friend Billy Ryan. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

Sat, 15 Aug, 2026 - 01:00

Eve Kelliher

Alighting from a 1924 Ford Model T touring car, Eileen (née O’Sullivan) Baxter and William Flaherty were ready to lead their wedding celebrations in style.

The Cork bride and groom were married at Springfort Hall Hotel in Mallow, Co Cork, and held their reception at the same venue.

Eileen (née O'Sullivan) Baxter and William Flaherty. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

Eileen and William’s paths crossed eight years ago. “We met chatting at the bar in Vienna Woods Hotel in Glanmire, on April 8, 2018,” says Eileen, from Turner’s Cross and Blarney.

William, from Ballyhea, popped the question four-and-a-half years later. “We got engaged on December 21, 2022, in Galway,” she says. “Our vision for our big day was to celebrate love and everything that comes with it.”

The occasion lived up to their expectations. “It was magical — lots of fun and happiness all round and very relaxing,” says Eileen. “I just felt so loved by everyone.”

Eileen was given away by her son Eric Baxter who was also her groomsman. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

They exchanged vows in an outdoor ceremony led by Rev Kathryn Cashman, during which Cork singer Fiona Kennedy performed a mix of modern and classic numbers.

The bride’s son Eric Baxter made the day extra-special, she says: “As well as being my groomsman, he gave me away.” Eileen’s niece Molly Kelleher was her bridesmaid, and William’s nephew Keith Gibbons was his best man. “We were also delighted to have grandnieces and grandnephews directly involved in the ceremony,” says the bride. It highlighted the importance of merging both the present and future generations.”

William Flaherty with Eric Baxter and Keith Gibbons. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

The couple’s three dogs, pug Harley, nine, lurcher Milio, seven-and-a-half, and sheepdog Lilly, two, were also thrilled to be at the heart of the action. “Milio and Harley loved all the attention they received on the wedding day,” says Eileen. “Unfortunately, Lilly was recovering from injury so did not attend the wedding, but she enjoyed the fun of the lead-up to it.”

The newlyweds cite their vintage Ford transport — which was supplied as a wedding gift by William’s friend Billy Ryan — as a highlight of the event.

The couple’s dogs, from left: Lilly, who sent her best wishes; Milio, enjoying the attention at the event; and Harley, all dressed up before attending the wedding.

The bride had her dream dress designed and made by Ernest Perryman of French Church Street, Cork. “Ernest also made my bridesmaid Molly’s dress,” she says. The groom and his best man were kitted out at Morley’s Formal Hire, Cork. Colette Crowley, owner of Blarney Hair Studio, and Katrina Myers of Beauty by Katrina, Blarney, were the hair and makeup team.

Eileen adhered to tradition. “I had something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue,” she says. “‘Old’ was a brooch worn on my hair and given to me by my hairstylist Colette, and also ‘old’ was a silver bracelet given to me from my son Eric. ‘New’ and ‘blue’ were a heart [ornament] and blue ribbon added to my bouquet and given to me by my sister Nuala.” Photographer Dermot Sullivan was behind the camera.

Bride Eileen (née O'Sullivan) Baxter. Pictures: Dermotsullivan.com

Diamond Sisters, Cork, kept the musical momentum going throughout the evening and Eileen and William’s first dance was to Tina Turner’s Simply The Best. Flower Pot, Charleville, devised the floral décor and Trace of Cakes, Ballincollig, baked the wedding cake.

The newlyweds honeymooned in Malaga. Eileen, a travel agent, and William, a farmer, divide their time between their homes in Blarney and Ballyhea.