Two of Ireland's rugby internationals, Mr John Hayes and Ms Fiona Steed, were married in a small rural church in Co Tipperary yesterday. Peter Gleeson reports.
Big names from the world of Irish rugby were among the 200 guests who crammed into the tiny Ballinaclough Church in the bride's home parish outside Nenagh, where the local Parish Priest, Father Manus Rodgers, presided over the highest-profile wedding the area has witnessed.
The bride and groom have won over 100 caps between them in their international careers. Mr Hayes is expected to reach the half century during the coming season while Ms Steed has 67 international caps.
Mr Hayes revealed that the relationship blossomed after he was introduced to Ms Steed over three years ago in Shannon Rugby Club.
In attendance were many of the well-known names of Irish rugby, including Mr Keith Wood, Mr Mick Galwey, Mr Anthony Horgan, Mr Peter Clohessy and Mr Rob Henderson.