IT was 'something borrowed' from Hollywood - with a Donegal twist.
Bride Patricia Doogan was left stunned at the altar when her uncle Daniel O’Donnell and a host of other singing stars organised a unique musical tribute during her wedding Mass.
A video of what west Donegal priest Fr Pat Ward described as a "Catholic flash mob" has quickly gone viral.
By last night, the emotional scenes had been viewed more than one and a half million times.
Daniel was joined by his wife Majella as well as Shawn Cuddy, Tony Allen of Foster and Allen, Derek Ryan and Tony Kenny in a choreographed rendition of How Great Thou Art at St Mary’s Church in Kincasslagh in west Donegal.
Echoing the wedding scene in hit film Love Actually, the singers were scattered among the congregation in the church last Friday.
As parish priest Fr Ward started singing the hymn, each member of the hidden choir stood up to join in before walking to the altar to join Ms Doogan and her new husband, Neil Swan.
Ms Doogan was moved to tears as the newlyweds were serenaded, after which Fr Ward told the congregation "Flash mob Catholic style".
It has since emerged that the only people in on the plan – apart from the singers – were Fr Ward, the bride’s friend Gavin, and her sister and bridesmaid Fiona.
At the end of the video, the “flash mob” are given a standing ovation by the congregation.
Majella O'Donnell said the newlyweds were completely surprised by the gesture.
“Featuring Fr Pat Ward, Shawn Cuddy, Derek Ryan, Fergal Flaherty, John McNichol, Chris O’Donnell, Tony Allen, Tony Kenny, Vicki Kenny, myself, Trionagh Allan and Annette Griffin, Gavin Boyle and Daniel O’Donnell, that’s some line up. It completely stunned the whole congregation," she said.
“What a fantastic memory to have.”
The new Mrs Swan said she learnt afterwards that the singers did not rehearse the performance but met to discuss it just before Mass began.
Hundreds of well-wishers extended their congratulations to the newly weds on O'Donnell's Facebook page.
"That was so beautiful brought tears to my eyes thank you so much for sharing," one fan wrote.
Another said: "A wonderful way to start your married life together. My favourite hymn, made me cry."
