Joy at diamond wedding anniversary celebrations

27 November 2024

A LOCAL couple have celebrated a milestone wedding anniversary.

Rosemary and Malachy McVeigh celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary at a surprise party organised by their family at Murphy’s Bar and Restaurant in Downpatrick on Saturday afternoon.

Rosemary, 81, originally from Portaferry, married Malachy, 87, from Raholp on November 23, 1964.

The couple first met at the cinema where Malachy gave Rosemary a lift home.

They got married in Portaferry when they were 21 and 27 respectively and honeymooned Dublin.

The couple received a letter from the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, as well as a card from King Charles and Queen Camilla to congratulate them on reaching their wedding anniversary.

After the party Father Aidan O’Kane renewed the couple’s wedding vows at Tobar Mhuire Retreat and Conference Centre in Crossgar, and presented them with the Papal Blessing.

The couple had six children – Stephen, Lawrence, Raymond, Brendan (who sadly died in 2020), Caroline and Annette.

They also have over 30 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, as well as great-grandchildren.

Rosemary worked as a nurse and used to enjoy line dancing. She has been a member of Downpatrick WI for over two years and is a talented knitter.

A former painter/decorator, Malachy loves all sports, especially golf, and has enjoyed visits to Crossgar and Bright Pitch and Putt.

Rosemary and Malachy were touched by all those who came to celebrate on Saturday.

“It was absolutely beautiful, and a complete surprise,” Rosemary said.

“Friends from over the years, neighbours, school friends and bridesmaids and groomsmen from our wedding came. In-laws, sisters, brothers, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were all there.”

She added: “We got lots of lovely presents and so many flowers, a meal and cake. It was an enjoyable day with lovely company.”

The couple would like to thank everyone who made their wedding anniversary so special.

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