Sean McDermott & Patrick Tangney

The International Hotel in Killarney

Photos courtesy of MH Weddings – Marek Hajdas

Sean, from Castlemaine and Patrick, from Killarney, knew each other for some time. Their brothers were friends, but it wasn’t until a Christmas night out in 2015 in Killarney that sparks ignited and they both knew it was love at first sight. At the time Patrick, a software engineer, lived in Donegal so a long-distance relationship ensued. Their love knew no bounds and soon enough both men were back in Kerry, flourishing their love daily.

THE ENGAGEMENT

Fast forward to July 2018. Sean, the marketing manager at the Brehon Hotel in Killarney, and his boyfriend spent the day at the Killarney Races with friends. There was a lot of winners on the day, but Sean topped them all. Patrick asked Sean to be his forever and, of course, he said yes. They each got an engagement ring in Adams Jewellers in Killarney and spent the weekend in Galway to celebrate their upcoming life together.

THE WEDDING

On November 11, 2021, Sean and Patrick became husband and husband at Killarney Registry Office and later celebrated their love with 70 friends and family at The International Hotel in Killarney.

Standing by their side the whole way were their three Bestgirls- Finnolla (Patrick’s bestie of 30 years), Brigid and Nicole; Patrick’s sister.

Their day was made even more special due to the ease of Covid restrictions, allowing them to have the full wedding experience again. “We partied until the wee hours, which was the first time we had partied in nearly two years, everyone danced all night.”

Other stand out moments of the day was when Catherine, one of Sean’s closest friends, made an impromptu speech, touching the hearts of everyone. Patrick’s father passed away the year previous, so he was included in part of the speeches and they had a special toast for him. “It was very emotional,” said Sean.

Their wedding meal consisted of either fillet of Irish Hereford, Hake or supreme of chicken and their first dance was “Simply the Best” (the Schitts Creek Version). Sean and Patrick put some serious thought into their wedding favours. “We had gift bags made especially for the day. We had pride badges, a little keepsake card with the date and a personalised message, and we had scratch cards made for everyone with our names and lots of cocktail prizes.”

Sean and Patrick, who now reside in Tralee, are planning a Caribbean cruise in September to celebrate their union.

ADVICE

“Don’t let stress ruin the run-up to the day, relax and enjoy every moment of the day as it goes so so quickly.”

SUPPLIERS