Soccer panel’s blessing to couple’s big match

It was a post-match analysis in more ways than one when RTÉ’s distinguished soccer panel gave a very special present to newlyweds Julie-Ann Coleman and David Jones as they celebrated in the Dunboyne Castle Hotel, Co Meath.

Football-mad David was stunned when his bride produced a video she made with Bill O’Herlihy, John Giles, Liam Brady, and Eamon Dunphy offering their thoughts on the big day.

The wedding took place on Sunday, but Julie-Ann’s wedding videographer recorded the message before Ireland took on Germany in the World Cup qualifiers in October.

Brady reckoned David was “taking a big chance,” but “it might be a risk worth taking”, while O’Herlihy described the wedding as the equivalent of the World Cup Final “because it leaves an enduring legacy”.

In classic style, Dunphy said that, “not for the first time, I disagree with Liam. She’s a smasher, Julie-Ann, an absolute smasher. I’m not sure about that boy, though. We know what they’re like, and he’s one of the worst.”

O’Herlihy then wondered whether the fact that David is a huge fan of the soccer panel would cast some doubt on his judgement.

But Giles was having none of it, saying that the more he heard about David being a fan of the panel, the more he felt that he was a good match for Julie-Ann.

O’Herlihy, as always, had the last word, summing up his 43 years of marriage with some advice for the groom.

“I have learned that there are only two things necessary to keep your wife happy,” he instructed. “First, let her think she is having her own way and, second, let her have her own way.”

It looks like Julie-Ann has made a good start.

“I never imagined the video would turn out as well as it did,” Julie Ann told the John Murray Show on RTÉ radio yesterday.

The video has already proved to be a huge hit on YouTube and the couple, who have only just arrived in Vietnam on their honeymoon, said it made their wedding day.

Speaking from their hotel, David said the gesture meant a great deal to both of them.

“It really made our day and we really want to express our thanks,” he said.

“Julie-Ann will be cashing these brownie points for years.”

Garry McGovern of Simply Wedding Videos praised the panel for their generosity.

“The lads were the consummate professionals, absolute gentlemen,” he said.

“Everyone there was well on board with what we was doing and gave us total support — absolute legends, and I mean that sincerely.”