Cork same-sex couple finally tie the knot following last-minute legal issue

A same-sex couple whose dream wedding was delayed 24 hours by red tape has tied the knot.

Dolores Murphy and Mabel Stoop-Murphy were celebrating last night after exchanging vows in Cork yesterday.

“Tuesday was a terrible disappointment. We wish it didn’t happen. But today is the start of a new life as a happy family,” Dolores said last night.

The couples’ dream of being among the first same-sex couples to wed, under new laws introduced after last May’s referendum, were shattered at the last minute on Tuesday when they arrived at Cork city’s registry office only to be told their paperwork was not in order.

They had been advised that under the act, 24 hours must pass between the signing of the declaration of no impediment and the actual wedding ceremony.

Dolores said she phoned the registry office on Monday to check everything was in order and was told it was. “But, five minutes before we were due to get married, we were told they have to get 24-hours notice after the signing of the declaration of no impediment,” she said.

“We played by the rules like everybody else. We filled out our paperwork… This wasn’t our fault.”

Dolores and Mabel left in tears, but took stock and decided to go ahead with the ceremony yesterday.

Mabel said: “We understand you have to follow the rules, but they (the registry service) could have handled it better.”

The couple hit back at online trolls who posted hurtful online comments after their delayed ceremony.

“We didn’t think we were entitled to anything more than anybody else,” Dolores said.

Mabel, whose two-year-old son James attended the ceremony which was witnessed by friends Paula Healy and Patricia Mullane, said: “We really don’t care what they think. We got married and we’re happy. Our family is complete. We’re the Murphys now.”

After yesterday's wedding day disappointment, Dolores & Mabel tied the knot quietly in #Cork today #MarRef pic.twitter.com/TFWAeBs8Cz

— Eoin English (@EoinBearla) November 18, 2015

The family enjoyed a celebration breakfast in Curran’s Restaurant afterwards where owner, Leone Lenehan, said she was delighted to be part of their big day.

Dolores wore a smart black suit over a red satin shirt, while Mabel wore an off-the shoulder, embossed knee-length cream dress.