Like so many modern love stories, West Cork couple Kate O’Neill and Barry O’Driscoll’s started on Tinder in 2018.
But Kate, from Rosscarbery, and Barry, from Drinagh, says it took another wedding for their first “official meeting” to unfold, in August the following year. “Barry was looking for breakfast the morning after his friend’s wedding at O’Donovan’s Hotel in Clonakilty when he saw me — I was working part-time at the hotel at the time,” says Kate.
Kate O’Neill and Barry O’Driscoll. Pictures: Diana Pokusai
“He wasn’t sure if it was me at first, but that evening he messaged me and within a few days, I told him to ask me out on a date, and the rest is history, as they say.”
Barry popped the question on January 2, 2025, on a romantic trip to Paris, and they were married on March 21 this year in St Fachtna’s Church, Rosscarbery, by Canon Martin O’Driscoll, choosing the Trident Hotel Kinsale, Co Cork, for their reception.
Kate O’Neill and Barry O’Driscoll. Pictures: Diana Pokusai
“We were both very relaxed the morning of the wedding as we got ready,” says Kate. “I was a small bit nervous going up the aisle, but I think that’s normal. Barry was as cool as a breeze.”
Lynda Sloane-Cusack performed the ceremony music. “Lynda has such a beautiful voice, and I was singing along to all the songs throughout the ceremony,” says Kate.
The bride’s vocals were to take centre stage in an unexpected way at the reception. “Barry played a recording during his speech of my sleep-talking,” she says. “A couple of months before we got engaged, I used to record myself, as I sleep-talk a lot — and in one of the recordings, I said I never wanted to get married.”
Kate O’Neill and Barry O’Driscoll. Pictures: Diana Pokusai
Helping them plan their dream big day were the mother-of-the-bride, Celia O’Neill, and the groom’s parents, Kathleen and Brendan O’Driscoll.
“We couldn’t believe how lucky we were with the weather, as we had one of the only days with blue skies in March after many days of rain,” says Kate. “The view from the Trident Hotel is also spectacular, and guests got to enjoy our drinks reception out on their patio. In addition, the food at the Trident was outstanding.”
Kate O’Neill and Barry O’Driscoll with Megan O’Neill and Rob Long. Pictures: Diana Pokusai
Kate chose her sister Megan O’Neill to be her maid of honour, and Barry’s brother-in-law, Rob Long, was his best man. The bride’s niece Éabha O’Neill and the groom’s niece Sophie Long were the flowergirls, and the groom’s nephews Jamie and Elliot Long were the pageboys.
The bride was super-chic in a Willow by ‘Georgie’ gown. “I got my dress in Memories Bridal Boutique in Cork and chose my dress on my first viewing,” says Kate. “The groom, best man, and father of the groom’s suits were all bought in Sean Murray Fashions in Skibbereen.”
Kate O’Neill. Pictures: Diana Pokusai
The bridal upstyle was by Molly Farrell, and Emily Nowotynski was the makeup artist. “Molly has been my hairdresser for many years, and both girls were a dream on my wedding morning and brought all the good vibes,” says Kate.
Behind the cameras were photographer Diana Pokusai (Instagram: @diana_pokusai_photo) and content creators Bethan and Mark (Instagram: @bethanandmarkweddings).
Kate O’Neill and Barry O’Driscoll. Pictures: Diana Pokusai
The wedding band, Little Creatures, was followed by Kerry DJ Kevin Healy-Rae. “We are still blown away by how good our band and DJ were, and I can honestly say, the dance floor was never empty,” says Kate.
West Cork Flowers created the floral arrangements, and the wedding cake was by Kelly Twohig.
Kate O’Neill and Barry O’Driscoll. Pictures: Diana Pokusai
Kate, a secondary school teacher, and Barry, a primary school teacher, honeymooned in Mexico. The newlyweds live in Drinagh.