Rugby stars line out to see Donncha and Jenny wed
Thursday December 24 2009
It was a day Donncha O'Callaghan would have relished on the rugby field -- but maybe not ideal conditions for his wedding.
The Munster and Ireland star married his long-term girlfriend Jenny Harte in the freezing rain and bitterly cold wind.
Most of the country's top rugby stars, including Brian O'Driscoll, who is a cousin of the bride, Ronan O'Gara and Jerry Flannery, turned out to see their friend and team-mate tie the knot at St Columba's Church, Douglas, Cork.
The day capped a record-breaking year for Donncha (30), who won the Grand Slam with Ireland in March
Salt was used in abundance at the entrance to the church to avoid any injuries to the assembled rugby stars.
They were led by Ireland and former Munster manager Declan Kidney.
Brian was accompanied by his fiancee Amy Huberman, while Tomas O'Leary, Paul O'Connell, Jamie Heaslip and David Wallace were also present. Anthony Foley, Marcus Horan, Frankie Sheahan, Jerry Flannery, Peter Stringer, Jerry Buckley and Gordon D'Arcy also turned out, alongside Munster's former All Black star Dougie Howlett, Tongan player Lifeimi Mafi and Ireland and Leicester Tigers captain Geordan Murphy.
Munster star Denis Leamy was unable to attend as he is recovering from knee surgery.
The bride, who looked stunning in an ivory-white gown, arrived at church in a black BMW limousine.
The newlyweds later hosted a reception in the Maryborough House Hotel for more than 300 guests. The honeymoon will take place later in 2010 as Donncha faces a hectic schedule of matches with his Munster team-mates.
comurphy@herald.ie
- Cormac Murphy
