News

Antrim GAA star marries - with help of The Irish News

THE Irish News played an usual role in the wedding of Antrim GAA star Kevin O'Boyle and his girlfriend Laura McCollum at the weekend.

The newspaper's sports-desk mocked up a special front page with 'news stories' about the couple's relationship and a sport back page showing the wedding reception's seating plan.

O'Boyle (27) said he and his new wife Laura (24) were delighted by the special edition, which was displayed at their reception after their wedding at St Comgall's Church in Antrim on Saturday.

"The boys and (freelance reporter) Ryan McCann did a great job," the Erin's Own, Cargin, player said.

"It went down a treat."

He said he and his bride were still on a high from their wedding.

"She has been overwhelmed by the whole thing," he said.

"The two of us had a fantastic day."

O'Boyle's best man also organised a short video message from the Sky Sports GAA team.

Former Dublin GAA star Senan Connell and presenter Rachel Wyse congratulated the couple on their wedding day. But Connell appealed to the bride to allow her new husband to still attend training.

"Laura I might just say, let him go to training please because most guys just go missing after they get married. It has to happen, he has to be there," he said.

The presenters then handed over to commentators who humorously 'analysed' the couple's relationship. Former Irish rugby player Brian Carney and ex-Tyrone star Peter Canavan teased O'Boyle about his record on the pitch.

"He is a corner-back, rarely gets forward, rarely scored early in his career. In fact he was guilty of some howling wides," Carney joked. "This time though he seems to have scored a cracker and raised the green flag."