Wedding of the Week: Ex-Munster rugby ace from Cork weds

Sat, 10 Aug, 2024 - 07:00

Newlyweds Liam O’Connor and Leah Comiskey enjoyed the most magical day, when they each said ‘I do’.

Leah is from Maryborough Hill, Douglas, while Liam grew up in Ballyvolane, but moved to Limerick a year before he met Leah to play for Munster rugby. They now live in Glounthaune.

Liam first met Leah in 2018 while he was living in Limerick playing rugby. Leah was in Cork studying in UCC. Although they were aware that their parents knew each other from their association with Dolphin RFC, the pair had never met but they had chatted on social media.

Bride Leah Comiskey with her wedding party on her wedding day. The flowers were by Tie The Knot Weddings Luxury Wedding Flowers.

Liam eventually asked Leah out and their first date was to Kinsale where they took a walk to Charles Fort, stopping for a coffee after. This was to be the first of many dates.

Liam O’Connor and Leah Comiskey, who live in Cork, were married at St Mary’s Cathedral in Killarney, followed by a reception at The Dunloe Hotel and Gardens. Pictures: Emily Doran

Liam was spending more and more time in Cork with Leah and decided to return and buy a house in Glounthane.

The couple went on holiday in 2022 to Lanzarote and it was while staying at the Boutique Hotel La Isla Y El Mar that Liam asked for the restaurant to play their song The Night We Met (which would later become the song for their first dance at their wedding), and as it played, Liam proposed.

The stunning view over The Gap of Dunloe where the couple stood for photographs. The bride had to borrow hiking shoes from her photographer to ensure they got the perfect shot, at the right location.

The couple married in the beautiful St Mary’s Cathedral in Killarney followed by the reception in The Dunloe Hotel and Gardens on June 15 surrounded by family and friends.

Leah’s dress was designed by Martina Liana Bridal Designs, which she bought from Diamond Bridal. Shoes were by Steve Madden, of Brown Thomas, Cork.

Hair was by Ciara Murphy, owner of 3 Degrees Hair And Beauty in Blackpool, while make-up was by Rebecca O’Donovan who is also based in Cork.

Heather Lynch, Chief Bridesmaid, Chloe Hegarty, Ali O’Byrne and Zara Graven, with Robert Murphy, Best Man, Ryan English, Tomas Quinlan and Kevin O’Byrne. Charlie and Lucy were also among the party.

They were joined by family and friends on their special wedding day. Leah was lucky to have her maternal grandparents present at the wedding who are a very special part of her life.

Leah’s grand-uncle Fr John Manley, OFM Cap, married the couple in St Mary’s Cathedral which made the ceremony extra special.

One of the most memorable parts of the day was climbing up a muddy hill in the rain for the perfect shot in front of The Gap of Dunloe.

Leah’s talented aunt Jennifer Graven, of Jen’s Little Bakery, made the cake, and the wedding car was a 1964 Rolls-Royce provided by David from Bianconi Wedding Cars, Fermoy.

The band were the Old Moderns based in Cork and everyone danced the night away.