Wedding of the Week: Barrack Street Band made special appearance at Cork nuptials

It was the summer of 2021 when Rebecca Ronan and Patsy Grieve first crossed paths when they started playing for the same tag rugby team.

Rebecca, from Togher, and Patsy, from Dungiven in Derry, were introduced to one another by Rebecca’s cousin, Dora, who works with Patsy in Depuy.

After two months of playing together they started dating and last month they were joined by family and friends as they were wed in Cork.

“We got engaged in Malaga on May 6, 2025, on the beach. Patsy pretended to forget his passport in the car at Cork Airport and ran back to tell my dad he was going to propose before getting on the plane,” recalled the bride.

Rebecca, a primary school teacher in Cork, has a strong connection with University College Cork and so it is not surprising that the couple chose to hold their wedding ceremony at the Honan Chapel.

Rebecca undertook her undergraduiate degree at UCC and worked at the student centre for three years. Her father, Kieran Ronan, worked at UCC for 44 years before his retirement. When Rebecca arrived at the university for the wedding in March, her past colleagues were there to greet her before she went to the church.

The couple were married by Father Greg Howard.

Rebecca wore a gown designed by Rosa Clara, sourced from Diamond Bridal. Hair was by Michelle in Hey Gurl Hair Salon in Togher, make-up was by Niamh Murphy, and tan was by Asana Beauty Cork. Patsy’s suit was from Morleys.

Maid of honour was Lorna Foley while Eunan McCloskey was the best man.

Flowers were by Rebecca’s aunt Elizabeth Foley, while Rebecca and Lorna’s bouquets were by Station Steps Flowers in Ballinhassig.

Music at the ceremony was by singer Caroline Fraher and pianist Dominic Finn.

Rebecca and Patsy were joined on the day by family and friends from across the country, and from overseas.

Patsy’s sister Shauna and her baby Éabha, his dad Adrian, stepmum Dympna, and brother Eoin travelled from Sydney. Patsy’s mum, Dympna, came from Derry with Patsy’s brother Eunan, and his wife Sarah.

Also in attendance were Rebecca’s mum and dad, Mary and Kieran, and Rebecca’s brother Darren and his wife Áine, who welcomed their son Ben one week before the wedding.

“It was an exciting week in the Ronan household with the arrival of the first grandchild and the wedding.”

After the ceremony, the couple held a reception for their guests at the Vienna Woods Hotel where singer Niamh O’Connor and magician Gerard Kearney provided entertainment at the drinks reception.

Later, the Barrack Street Band made a special appearance. Rebecca, who plays the flute, has been a member of the band since she was 10 years old. The bride joined her bandmates in the ballroom where they performed some of De Barracka’s most popular tunes including After All by The Frank and Walters.

Rebecca’s mum made her wedding cake while her colleague, Cheryl Casey, designed and made the welcome sign and the photo board.

That evening, J90 ensured that the dancefloor was never empty.

“The food was beautiful in the hotel and the service, and all the staff were incredible. Top class. They went above and beyond for us,” the couple said.

Photos on the day were by John Sexton while Gordon from Wedfilms was the videograoher.

“John and Gordon were so relaxed and easy- going which led to the day going so smoothly. We were thrilled with the results of their work.

“It was the best day of our lives and we never stopped smiling.”