US soldiers 'did not gatecrash wedding'

The Irish World ^ | 23/07/09 | Shelley Marsden

[PotatoHeadMick]

A bride's father has refuted claims that a bunch of American soldiers in army fatigues ‘gatecrashed' his daughter's wedding.

Wedding guests complained at the wedding of Amelia Walsh and Sean O'Neill tied in Co Clare last week that the troops had wandered "uninvited" into the young couple’s reception.

However, the bride’s father Eamon Walsh, from Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare, said yesterday that the pair were "proud" to have the soldiers there on their big day. He said the newlyweds had actually invited the troops to come in and have photos with them earlier on in the day.

Nearly 300 troops were booked in to the Clare Inn, near Newmarket-on-Fergus, after their Iraq-bound aircraft was grounded at Shannon Airport by technical problems.

Amelia's dad said the men were "invited in" by the bride and groom, who wanted them to get a taste of a real Irish wedding. "They behaved in an exemplary manner at all times and if our troops behaved in the same way when they are on peacekeeping duties, I would be very proud," said Mr Walsh.

[PotatoHeadMick]

"As the soldiers began to mingle into the private banquet area, they were told by their commanding officer that the area was a private party and off limits. Common decency and Irish hospitality, however, overruled political opinions and the groom informed them they were welcome to join the party."

Nice story.

[Dinah Lord]

Makes me want to send the happy couple a wedding gift.

God bless the Irish.

[max americana]

What a great post PHM. Truly a remarkable gesture from the Irish couple to invite our soldiers. May God bless the O Neill and Walsh marriage for many years to come.

[cripplecreek]

Love to see the pictures.

[AZ .44 MAG]

If they came to a wedding I had anything to do with I’d send out for more food and drink.

Nice post.

[TopQuark]

G-d bless our Irish friends.

[magslinger]

If they came to a wedding I had anything to do with I’d send out for more food and drink.

Not if my wife had planned the menu. I'd be thrilled that would be less leftovers after. I do agree with your sentiment.

[rawhide]

Here's one:

[rawhide]

[rawhide]

Money quote:

"They behaved in an exemplary manner at all times and if our troops behaved in the same way when they are on peacekeeping duties, I would be very proud," said Mr Walsh.

[PotatoHeadMick]

From the photo it would appear that the men are drinking nothing stronger than Pepsi, quite remarkable restraint given the fact that they were at an Irish wedding.