A field guide to a Limerick spring ; being the full & honest account of the wedding of
recorded at Monaleen Church & the Woodlands of Adare, in the county of Limerick
FRIDAY · 23 APRIL 2027
— days until flowering
turn the page
two natives of the same habitat, long observed in each other's company
Distinguished by: competitive streak, national silverware, and an unbeaten record in arguments about basketball.
Distinguished by: a whistle round the neck, a spreadsheet for everything, and one very good proposal.
one shared habitat, observed over several years
early observation — plumage: Basketball Ireland green
Every good Limerick story starts in a sports hall, and so does this one. There was basketball. There was slagging. Neither has stopped since.
Draft copy: Niall's actual version of how they met goes here. A voice note will do it.
observed 2026 — both in full flower, National Cup day
She coaches the Huskies. He coaches the Eagles. Same sport, different sidelines. Then one season both came home with national silverware, and the mantelpiece had to be renegotiated.
On occasion they even share a sideline: table duty in the green of Ireland.
field conditions: Atlantic, force 6, spirits high
What can be confirmed at time of printing: there was a question, it was a good one, and she said yes.
Draft copy: the proposal story arrives once Niall dictates it. Pressure is being applied.
specimen thrives in warm climates; returns home regardless
On Friday 23 April 2027, in front of everyone they love, Orlaith Woods becomes, fittingly, the one thing she was always going to be: at home in the Woodlands.
You're not spectating this one. You're in it.
expected behaviour of the species on the days in question
Friday 23 April 2027
Times after the ceremony are the working plan; final timings arrive with the invites, January 2027.
Saturday 24 April 2027. Everyone welcome, no exceptions
If you're anywhere near Adare on the Saturday, you're expected.
two sites of interest, twenty-five minutes apart
the ceremony · Castletroy, Limerick
Doors from 12:30, ceremony at 1:00. Arrive with time to spare — the bride has a Rolls-Royce and no intention of waiting.
Open in Mapsthe reception & day two · Adare, Co. Limerick
Drinks, dinner, dancing, and Saturday's Treehouse gathering, all under one roof. Half an hour from the church.
Open in MapsPlenty at the Woodlands. Church parking notes will follow on the invites; car-pooling never hurt anyone.
Local numbers will be on the invites, and the hotel front desk will always sort you out at the end of the night.
It's Ireland in April. Ceremony and reception are fully indoors. Bring a coat for the photographs and faith for the rest.
for the great April movement of Derry, Belfast & beyond
From the North: the M1 to Dublin then the M7 the whole way down. Allow four hours from Belfast and the guts of five from Derry. Half of Derry travels down Thursday night; join the convoy.
By air: Shannon is your friend: thirty minutes from Adare. Cork is about an hour and three-quarters; Dublin around two and a half hours by motorway.
The morning itself: ceremony's at 1:00 in Limerick city's east; from Adare, leave a solid forty minutes for the cross-town run.
Adare — the scene of the crime
Rooms at the venue go fastest. Ring the hotel directly and say you're with the wedding.
Adare village — 5 minutes
Old-school comfort in the prettiest village in Ireland, allegedly. Book early.
25 minutes — taxis findable
The Strand, the Clayton, the George: plenty of beds and a livelier Sunday.
for the flush relations
If the numbers on your lottery ticket land that week, it's ten minutes up the road.
the accompanying party, in order of seniority
CHIEF BRIDESMAID
First named, first on the dance floor.
FULL LINEUP TO FOLLOW
Currently in selection. Manager's decision is final.
TO BE CONFIRMED
Speech already feared, sight unseen.
FULL LINEUP TO FOLLOW
Tuxes on order. Nerves already showing.
The full starting five — plus who's marking whom — will be announced here once the team sheet is signed.
the pair, reduced to figures — as Niall would want it
| 2 | basketball clubs between themHuskies hers, Eagles his, Ireland's when duty calls |
| 2 | National Cups in one housesame season, both sidelines. The shelf groans |
| 298 | guests expected at the gatheringfrom Derry to Dubai, no exaggeration |
| 350 | kilometres for the furthest-flung Irish supportDerry represent. Worth every one |
| 1 | 1960 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloudthe bride travels properly |
| — | days until the whole thing flowerscounting itself down as you read |
specimens observed in the wild, various climates
every guest a field observer; every reply a record
thirty seconds, one card, done
Your card is filed and the meadow awaits. When the real thing goes live in January, this is exactly how easy it'll be.
Genuinely — you'll be missed on the day. There will be photographs, and stories, and you'll be in the good half of both.
Records close 1 March 2027 (to be confirmed on the invites)
No form? No bother. Tell any of the bridal party; the old ways still work.
asked frequently, answered honestly
Your finest plumage. Suits, dresses, colour, style: whatever makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Two small requests: nothing white unless you're Orlaith, and no club jerseys. Yes, both teams. We see you.
Really. The Treehouse at the Woodlands, from 4pm, everyone welcome, travelling guests especially. Come hungry and in your comfortable clothes.
It's Ireland in April: plan for four seasons before the soup course. Everything that matters happens indoors; bring a coat for the photographs.
Your invite will name everyone included — check it when it lands in the new year, and if you're unsure, just ask.
We'll confirm on the invites. Either way, Black Diamond Photography and MDA Productions have the big moments covered — you can safely live this one with your eyes.
Your presence is genuinely the present; most of ye are crossing the country for us. If you'd like to do more, there'll be a card box on the day, and that's the last we'll say of it.
The 1st of March 2027, to be confirmed on the invites. Don't run down the shot clock: file early and forget about it.