Joy for Batt as second daughter says ‘I do’

AN overjoyed Batt O’Keeffe walked his daughter Hilda down the aisle over the weekend as she married her fiance, Damien Smyth, in a church ceremony in Ballincollig, Co Cork.

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation looked clearly moved as he posed for pictures on Saturday with bride Hilda and her sisters Elaine O’Keeffe and Patrice Cahill at the Church of Mary and St John. Elaine and Patrice served as bridesmaids on the day.

The minister and his wife, Mary, were joined for the occasion by Taoiseach Brian Cowen and his wife, Mary.

The bride wore a classic ivory gown with a long train.

Hilda’s three bridesmaids wore purple gowns and the bridal party also included the minister’s only son Mark. The youngest member of the bridal party was the minister’s granddaughter Leah who was a flower girl on the big day.

A reception followed at Maryborough House Hotel in Cork.

Mr O’Keeffe’s daughter, Patrice, tied the knot last year in the same church. Patrice, who is a solicitor, married Eoin Cahill in April, 2009.

It has been a difficult year for the minister in a professional capacity as the Brian Cowen-led Government comes under increasing pressure from the opposition and the public as the recession continues. Batt O’Keeffe was given a significant boost two years ago when Brian Cowen gave him his first ministerial portfolio in education.

He celebrated his 65th birthday in April and the nuptials on Saturday served as a respite from politics.