City Hall wedding bells toll for lucky couple

WEDDING bells will soon be ringing out in Cork’s City Hall after one lucky couple netted their dream big day in the “Win your Wedding” competition.

Ann Marie Collins and Eric Meehan from Churchfield, Cork city, were crowned the winners yesterday after being one of three couples shortlisted to become the first to have a civil wedding ceremony in Lord Mayor Cllr Michael O’Connell’s office.

The runners-up were Donna O’Keeffe and Joe Everitt from Gurranabraher and Paula Telford and Alan O’Carroll from Ballincollig.

It has been two years since Cork City Council approved the use of City Hall as a venue for civil wedding ceremonies, and entries were received from couples all over Cork explaining why they should win the prize.

Speaking about their win, bride-to-be Ann Marie said they were “shocked and absolutely delighted.”

“I sent in the entry letter two months ago and when we got the call to say we were one of the finalists we couldn’t believe it, let alone to have won. The judges told us that we were picked because we gave off a fantastic feeling as a couple, and made them laugh.

“We have been engaged for the last two years and both myself and Eric and our fathers have a great interest in the history of Cork, so it will be very special to have our wedding in City Hall, but we still want to have a church blessing on the day,” she added.

As part of the prize the happy couple will also enjoy many of the associated costs free of charge thanks to a host of sponsors, including a wedding day lunch for up to 50 people in the Ambassador Hotel, free limousine service, hairdressing and make-up services, dress suit hire for the groom’s party and jewellery for the mothers of the bride and groom.

Lord Mayor Cllr O’Connell said: “We were overwhelmed by the response to the competition and how those applying viewed the opportunity. I would like to thank all those who entered. I congratulate Ann Marie and Eric and very much look forward to the wedding taking place in City Hall. It will create history and on behalf of the office of Lord Mayor and the people of Cork I would like to wish them well.”