Life

Marie Louise McConville: Golden Wedding celebration is a chance to finally get together

Happy occasion - My parents, Desi and Sue McCrory celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last weekend
Happy occasion - My parents, Desi and Sue McCrory celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last weekend Happy occasion - My parents, Desi and Sue McCrory celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last weekend

If there's one positive to come out of the Covid-19 pandemic, it's that we now realise how much we used to take for granted.

A night out, a weekend away, a coffee catch-up with the besties - after the past 19 months, we now know just how important and precious these times are.

Of course, nothing is more important than family, especially when a milestone comes around.

There were so many special times not celebrated during the last year and more - birthdays, christenings, promotions and of course, anniversaries.

Last weekend, the McCrory family finally got the chance to meet up for a very important celebration - my mum and dad's 50th wedding anniversary.

Married on October 16, 1971 at St Teresa's Church on the Glen Road in Andersonstown, Susan Winchester married Desmond McCrory.

The couple then had their reception in the Woodburn Hotel, which was blown up some weeks later during the Troubles.

And after enjoying a honeymoon amid the bright lights of London, the couple returned home to reality.

Over the years, they went on to have four children - Damien, myself, Jennifer and Colm - and we all enjoyed many wonderful family holidays at places including Tramore, Salthill and Bundoran.

And now they have six grandchildren, Reece, Mia, Abbie, James, Alaia and Cian, who are helping them make some great new memories.

After working all of their lives, both have now retired and are easing themselves into a more laid back way of going.

Of course, at the weekend, the two of them were enjoying themselves in The Felons on the Andersonstown Road, where we had all gathered to celebrate their Golden wedding anniversary.

It was lovely to see everyone dressed up for a happy occasion, which have been in short supply in recent times.

It was just great to catch up with aunties, uncles, cousins and friends who we haven't really had the chance to see much of in the past 19 months.

Neighbours and pals also joined Sue and Desi to celebrate the happy occasion and with a great buffet on offer, a great time was had by all.

After a couple of glasses of bubbly, it was time for the couple to once again cut a special cake and everyone shared in the special moment, which took place beside photos from their wedding, showing the many much-loved faces who are no longer with us, but I am sure were watching over us all.

It was nice to be able to create some new, special memories and we will hold them close.

It was then time to hit the dance floor and everyone just loved throwing their shapes.

Soon, it was time to gather ourselves to leave but now, Sue and Desi will spend the coming weeks continuing to celebrate this wonderful milestone, still hand-in-hand together through whatever life throws at them.

What a wonderful example to us all.

Here's to many more years of celebrating mum and dad - Happy Anniversary from us all.

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A big shout out to Strictly star Tilly Ramsey this week after appalling comments were made about her appearance.

The 19-year-old, who is doing a fantastic job on the dancing show with professional partner Nikita Kuzmin, has been inundated with messages of support after LBC radio presenter Steve Allen fat-shamed her live on air.

Allen referred to the young woman as a “chubby little thing”.

What a horrible, irresponsible thing to say about anyone, especially a young woman, who has bravely chosen to take on this challenge.

I think the 67-year-old needs to wise up and find more productive things to talk about.

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Competition

The festive season will soon be upon us, so now is the chance to get a bronze glow to help you sparkle under the Christmas lights?

Ireland’s fastest selling tanning brand, bBold not only uses the best ingredients but all of its products are vegan friendly and cruelty free.

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I have three bBold `Glow with the Flow’ kits to give away.

If you fancy winning a kit, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com

Closing date for entries is 12 noon on Tuesday, October 26, 2021

(Q) What is bBold’s new Christmas kit called?

Normal Irish News rules apply

***Please note, these prizes must be collected from the offices of The Irish News

COMPETITION WINNERS

The winners of the Girl in the Mirror competition are Mary McCullagh, from Feeny, Maria Loughran, from Belfast, Joe McKernon, from Whitehead, Celeste Barbour, from Omagh, and Sheila McCreesh, from Armagh.