Wedding bells ring out for Junior minister following ceremony in Co. Meath at weekend

By Kim O'Leary The junior minister of state for European politics Helen McEntee side-lined politics for a day to marry her long-term love Paul Hickey in a private ceremony in Co Meath  at the weekend. The couple married in the parish church in Castletown, near the village of Nobber. Their romance blossomed in Dail Eireann when Helen met Paul, the former parliamentary assistant to Government Chief Whip Joe McHugh. The guest-list was strictly politician-free as the couple decided not to invite any of their Government colleagues, keeping the occasion only for their huge circle of family and close friends. The bride turned heads with a breathtaking backless ivory dress with plunging neck-line and net skirt as she was walked down the aisle by her brother Vincent. Surrounded by 350 family and friends, Helen's sister Sally was chief bridesmaid, supported by friends Lisa Kelly, Niamh Woods and Thea Browne while the groom's entourage comprised of Tom Hickey, Ciaran Walshe, Gerard Clogher and Tommy O'Brien. Other guests at the wedding included Helen's uncles - noted consultant and former Meath GAA player Gerry McEntee and current Meath senior manager Andy McEntee, as well as Paul's uncle and chair of Glanbia Henry Corbally. The newly-weds will spend their honeymoon in America. Just before the nuptials, she said: "I've been looking forward to our wedding day for months now and at last, it's finally arrived, though I was a bit nervous earlier. We'll have a great day, rain or shine, celebrating with family and friends who have come from near and far to join us today.  That's the main thing.”