FANS of Northern Ireland golf star Rory McIlroy have been left disappointed after the sportsman's Irish castle nuptials were kept private and out of sight.
Despite the much-talked-about wedding taking place in the high-profile Ashford Castle in Co Mayo, no glimpse was caught of the 27-year-old Co Down sports star or his 29-year-old new wife, US-born, Erica Stoll, a former executive with the US PGA Tour.
A large press entourage and many locals had gathered outside the spectacular Cong venue on Saturday in the hope of catching sight of the world number 2 golfer and more so, his wife in her wedding dress.
However, an intense security operation meant the venue was put on total lock-down and it was impossible for any uninvited guests to gain entry.
Many guests were flown into the venue on board helicopters while others were chauffeur-driven in vehicles with blacked-out windows.
It was also reported that special measures were taken to prevent drones equipped with cameras flying over the sprawling 350-acre estate.
Among the 200 guests expected at the wedding were a host of famous faces, including One Direction star, Niall Horan, actor, Jimmy Nesbitt, Irish businessman, JP McManus, Fifty Shades star, Jamie Dornan and his wife, Amelia Warner, and martial arts star, Conor McGregor.
The world of sport was also well represented by Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley and Masters champion, Sergio Garcia.
McIlroy's childhood friend Harry Diamond is believed to have been the golf star's best man.
The £200,000 wedding was said to include a £50,000 fireworks display.
Pop legend, Stevie Wonder also performed with his 18-piece band at the wedding reception, while there were also rumours that Coldplay would be taking to the stage for a performance as well as chart-topper, Ed Sheeran.
The newlyweds reportedly spent their first night as a married couple in the £4,000-a-night Boathouse Suite at Ashford Castle, which offers panoramic views of the lake.
