Sealed with a kiss: Emma looks forward to new life
The day was especially happy for 25-year-old Emma after she overcame a terrifying rape by her estranged father Patrick O’Riordan, who is now serving a 10-year jail sentence for the attack.
Emma waived her right to anonymity to name the 45-year-old Englishman who raped her in a B&B in the city in 2001. It was the first time she had seen him in 19 years.
Speaking before her wedding day, Emma described her happiness at meeting Garrett and her excitement about the future: “He puts me and my feelings first,” she said.
“He took me as I was as and I knew he was there during the counselling I did,” she continued.
On her special day, Emma looked radiant in a designer bridal gown by Ernest Perryman, well-known stylist to many former Roses’ of Tralee. Her stepfather Michael and mother Helena walked her down the aisle, while sisters, Kim, 17, Jessica, 14, cousin Suzanne and friend Teresa were her bridesmaids. Youngest sister Clodagh, 6, was her flower girl.
The happy newlyweds fly out to California today to begin their two-week honeymoon, where they plan to visit San Francisco.
Emma praised her family and her new husband’s family for the support they have given her and said she looks forward to moving into her new home upon her return.
“I’m delighted that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
