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Wedding of the Week: Bandon couple share ‘magic’ big day with fur baby Molly

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Wedding of the Week: Bandon couple share ‘magic’ big day with fur baby Molly

Their fabulous fur baby played a key role in Clodagh Gabriel and Jason McCarthy’s engagement.

The couple, from Bandon, Co Cork, became an item when they met socialising in a local pub 12 years ago. “We had always known each other, growing up, through mutual friends,” says Clodagh.

Clodagh Gabriel and her dad Robert Gabriel. Pictures: Dermot Sullivan

Jason arranged for their beloved dog, to be his wing woman when he proposed. 

“We got engaged in December 2022, at home, one random night. Jason got a collar engraved for our four-legged baby, Molly. The collar read, ‘Will you marry Dad?’” says Clodagh.

Clodagh Gabriel and her dad Robert Gabriel. Pictures: Dermot Sullivan
Clodagh Gabriel and her dad Robert Gabriel. Pictures: Dermot Sullivan

Magnificent Molly was dressed to impress again when Clodagh and Jason exchanged vows. “Molly was so cute — her flower collar was adorable,” says the bride.

The couple were married in St Patrick’s Church, Bandon, and held their reception in Fernhill House Hotel, Clonakilty, on a sun-soaked day they describe as “magic”.

Clodagh Gabriel and Jason McCarthy. Pictures: Dermot Sullivan
Clodagh Gabriel and Jason McCarthy. Pictures: Dermot Sullivan

They were married by parish priest Fr John Newman with Fr Pierce Cormac, a family friend, also on the altar. 

“We had the best day of our lives. After months of rain, we couldn’t believe the sun shone all day long,” says Clodagh. 

“Our guests got to enjoy the drinks reception outside in the gardens of Fernhill. It was magic!” 

Clodagh Gabriel and her parents Helen and Robert Gabriel and sisters Marion Gabriel, Rosemary Moloney and Anna Gabriel. Pictures: Dermot Sullivan
Clodagh Gabriel and her parents Helen and Robert Gabriel and sisters Marion Gabriel, Rosemary Moloney and Anna Gabriel. Pictures: Dermot Sullivan

Celebrating with the newlyweds were the bride’s parents Helen and Robert Gabriel and the groom’s father Jerry McCarthy.

Jason’s mother, the late Mary McCarthy, was in their thoughts and very much missed on the day, add the couple.

Clodagh Gabriel with Marion Gabriel, Rosemary Moloney and Anna Gabriel.
Clodagh Gabriel with Marion Gabriel, Rosemary Moloney and Anna Gabriel.

Clodagh chose her three sisters, Marion Gabriel, Rosemary Moloney and Anna Gabriel, to be her bridesmaids.

Jason’s friends, Ray Brennan (best man) and Darren Ryan and Dave Crowley (groomsmen) were by his side.

Jason McCarthy with Ray Brennan, Darren Ryan and Dave Crowley.
Jason McCarthy with Ray Brennan, Darren Ryan and Dave Crowley.

The couple’s godchildren, Lucy Comte and Ellie Moloney, were delighted to be centre stage as flower girls.

Clodagh looked chic in a Made With Love gown and Jason and his attendants were dapper in suits from Kevin Bowens, Bandon. “My dress was from Bella Bleu in Cork,” she says.

Clodagh Gabriel and Jason McCarthy. Pictures: Dermot Sullivan
Clodagh Gabriel and Jason McCarthy. Pictures: Dermot Sullivan

“I had artificial bouquets done by Breda at Darling Buds in Cork.” Pin Up Hair, Innishannon, created the bridal hairstyling and Jessica May Parker was the makeup artist.

DJ Murphy, Bandon, created the floral arrangements.

Clodagh Gabriel and Jason McCarthy. Pictures: Dermot Sullivan
Clodagh Gabriel and Jason McCarthy. Pictures: Dermot Sullivan

Photographer Dermot Sullivan was behind the lens. 

“Our photographs were taken in both the church and the gardens of Fernhill,” adds Clodagh.  “Dermot really is a fantastic photographer.” 

Clodagh Gabriel and Jason McCarthy. Pictures: Dermot Sullivan
Clodagh Gabriel and Jason McCarthy. Pictures: Dermot Sullivan

The newlyweds honeymooned in Tenerife the week after the big day. “It was fabulous to get away the week after for a week and chill,” says Clodagh.

They live five minutes outside Bandon and work locally.

  • If you would like your wedding in Weekend featured email eve.kelliher@examiner.ie
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