A CORK man used the city’s most historic landmark to propose to his girlfriend at the weekend.

Ian Johnston arranged to have a giant banner draped from the viewing deck of St Anne’s in Shandon with the words ‘Niamh will you marry me’.

The message was for his girlfriend of 11 years, Niamh Murray. The pair live atn Lavitt’s Quay.

On Saturday he got his and Niamh’s parents to climb the narrow steps of the tower, past the bells and onto the viewing deck to unfurl the banner.

Ian told Niamh that there was some sort of protest happening in Shandon and that they’d hung a banner from the tower.

He handed her a pair of binoculars and as she read the banner, he dropped down on one knee.

Thankfully she said yes. Ian hasn’t slept properly in a week hoping everything would go to plan.

Ian and Niamh have been going out together since they met on St Patrick’s Hill while attending school.

For Corkonians, St Anne’s is the city’s most iconic landmark. The church was built between 1722 and 1726 and situated overlooking the city it was instantly one of Cork’s most recognisable features.

The priest-in-charge of Saint Anne’s, Shandon, the Reverend Sarah Marry, said: "It was such a lovely idea we were delighted to facilitate them. The family were so excited if a little windswept! All of us in the parish wish them every blessing and send them hearty congratulations!"