Watch: Women say 'I do!' to their old wedding dresses for a special fundraising event 

Among those who donned their old wedding dress for the party in aid of the Adapt Kerry Women’s Refuge were — Caroline Horgan, Margaret O'Connor, Emer Joy, Paula Flaherty, Margaret Ahern, Miriam Ahern, Ursula Ahern, Linda Hunt, Mags Horgan, Liz Horgan, Tina Collins, Elaine O'Shea Walsh, Mary Woulfe, Claire O'Connell, Elaine Horgan, and Stephanie Horgan. Picture: Domnick Walsh

Dozens of women shed everyday attire to give their decades-old wedding dresses one last outing at a special event in Kerry at the weekend.

Sisters Mags and Liz Horgan, who co-own Finesse Bridal Wear in Listowel, organised a special 25th birthday of the business by inviting former brides back for one last hurrah.

Many had believed they were saying goodbye to their gowns for good after boxing them up all those years ago, but the fundraiser provided an opportunity to dust off old garments as well as old memories.

The ladies gathering for the 25th anniversary celebration in aid of the Adapt Kerry Women’s Refuge hosted by Mags and Liz Horgan, sisters and owners of Finesse Bridal Wear in Listowel, Co Kerry. Picture: Domnick Walsh

Many attending the event in aid of the Adapt Kerry Women’s Refuge had purchased their dresses from Mags and Liz shortly after the business first opened.

While tongue-in-cheek, the event had some bittersweet undertones as former brides shared the stories behind their dresses.

Niamh Lordan from Listowel and now living in Cork was wed in September 2019. She was back in Listowel for the party in aid of the Adapt Kerry Women’s Refuge. Picture: Domnick Walsh

Mags and Liz have formed lifelong friendships with their customers over the years and regard many of them as close friends.

One noticeable absence from the group was Mary Melvin (née Connolly) who passed away from illness five years ago. The mother of two had been a close friend of Mags and often helped the sisters out during busy periods at the store.

Triona Cummins from Kilkenny and Kay Joy from Mallow at the 25th anniversary Finesse Bridal Wear celebration in Listowel, Co Kerry. Picture: Domnick Walsh

Liz told the Irish Examiner that her sister Mags was honoured to be asked to wear Mary’s wedding dress for the event.

“Mary’s sister Claire would still be great friends with us,” Liz said.

“She was trying on her own dress when she told us that Mary’s dress was still at home.

The brides gathered in the New Kingdom Bar, Listowel, during the anniversary celebration in aid of the Adapt Kerry Women’s Refuge. Picture: Domnick Walsh

“‘If it fits one of you,’ she said, ‘we would love to have you wear it on the day’.”

Claire brought the dress down and it fitted Mags 100%. “Mary and her were like best friends so it was so fabulous that she got to wear her dress,” said Liz.

“There have definitely been a few tears shed. Mary’s mum and dad are just delighted that Mags is wearing the dress.”

Liz remarked that Mary would have loved the event.

Cara Quinn and Trish Brogan making their way to the Finesse Bridal Wear 25th anniversary celebration in aid of the Adapt Kerry Women’s Refuge in Listowel. Picture: Domnick Walsh

“If she was alive today she would be in the thick of this. Mary would have loved this so much. She was just full of life.

“She had two beautiful boys and was always full of enthusiasm for life.

“Mary was a giver. She looked after the elderly in a nursing home here in Listowel. The only way you could describe her was as a loving, caring person who was great fun.”

Elaine O'Shea Walsh from Listowel was one of the dozens of women who enjoyed the Finesse Bridal Wear 25th anniversary celebration in aid of the Adapt Kerry Women’s Refuge. Picture: Domnick Walsh

For many, including Ursula Aherne, the event was very much a family affair.

“I went with a big group and three of us are married to brothers,” Ursula told the Irish Examiner.

“Trying on my own dress brought back lots of memories. I can still remember Mags and Liz playing the wedding march in the shop so I could traipse up and down like it was the real thing. 

Sisters Emer Joy and Paula Flaherty enojoying the celebration thrown by Finesse Bridal Wear, Listowel, in aid of the Adapt Kerry Women’s Refuge. Picture: Domnick Walsh

"This time round my husband helped me get back into the dress. I was delighted I could still fit into it. 

"My little girl was amazed when she saw it and even tried it on herself.”

Meanwhile, former bride Elaine Walsh said she was happy to rise to the challenge.

“I immediately said yes because we all need a bit of fun. It sounded like a challenge so I had to take it. Once I discovered the dress still fitted the challenge became that little bit easier.”