Saturday night, March 2nd, saw the elegant Elena Bucket (Charlie Davis) and the dashing Dickie Groper (Dan Harte) tie the knot for the second time!
Saturday night, March 2nd, saw the elegant Elena Bucket (Charlie Davis) and the dashing Dickie Groper (Dan Harte) tie the knot for the second time!
The whirlwind romance led to the most talked-about wedding of the year and was organised by Friends of Skibbereen Community Hospital who are fundraising for a bus.
The committee who organised the lavish affair gave assurances there was no truth in the rumour that the bride’s family were less-than-pleased with the union. It remains unclear as to why the father of the bride Varadkan Bucket (Joe Carroll) and mother Casandra Bucket (Niall Carey) came prepared with a large firearm and a pair of ladies’ undergarments of the more sensible variety.
Mother and father of the groom, Andy (John Bohane) and Fanny Groper (Kathleen O’Sullivan) spoke proudly of Dickie’s many assets, including his prowess with a piece of farming paraphernalia normally reserved for young bullocks.
The taking of vows was presided over by the well know Fr Buckling of Castletownshend (John Collins), whose chosen words raised many an eyebrow among other things. An objection by an elusive lady at a crucial moment threatened the proceedings, but to the relief of all gathered it turned out to be a case of mistaken identity. The lovely Lucinda (Noel Collins) was later seen dancing the night away with the bride’s father.
Dickie’s best man, Sandy (Trina Croston) and groomsmen, Randy (Aoife Hodnett O’Brien), Curley (Teresa McMahon), and Dandy (Marie Collins), added a stylish cool look to the proceedings. They also kept the ladies busy on the dance floor all night.
The bride’s entourage included her long-time friend and student of the French horn, Thelma (Joe Leahy) along with bridesmaids, Tulip (Declan O’Donovan), Terrie (Aidan Hayes) and Tina (James Ronan). The ladies were resplendent in the latest of fashion and a number of male guests at the wedding are still reeling from their encounters on the night!
Everyone agreed that the cuteness factor of the day had to go to young Aloysius (Timmy Looney), the handsome pageboy who led the bride up the aisle. Tom (Noel Kearney) and Tommy (Brendan Leahy), second cousins once removed of the groom, did a great job as ushers. They welcomed all assembled and kept guests entertained with many a rendition throughout the meal.
A number of guests were seen bolting from the dining room, hiding behind pillars and sliding down chairs in a peculiar fashion. This was later explained as the phenomenon known as avoiding the ‘Thelma Touch’!
‘Weddings by Hildi’ the wedding planner company said it was one of the more challenging events they had organised thus far, but were very pleased with the outcome. Much praise was given to the West Cork Hotel and staff for their patience and support. They even provided a Singing Chef (Brendan O’Neill ) who added a touch of a class to the entertainment.
Photography was by Anne Minihane and Garry Minihane. Huge praise was given to the hard-working committee and the many people, too numerous to mention, whose sponsorship in the form of make-up, flowers, raffle prizes and donations made the night worthwhile.
The biggest thank you and praise was reserved for the many wedding guests who came over the two nights, ready to have fun. Their ‘presents’ were much appreciated. If you missed the opportunity, donations for this worthwhile cause can to be made through any committee member or at future fundraising events.
Friends of Skibbereen Community Hospital include Brendan Leahy (chairperson), Tim McCarthy (secretary), Trish Coughlan (treasurer), Karina Conway, Carmel Daly, Teddy Leahy, Joanna McElligot and Michael O’Driscoll.
