Congratulations Helen and Paul!

LOUISE WALSH

Meath's Helen McEntee was more Minister for love affairs than European ones yesterday (Mon) as she side-lined politics to marry her long-term love Paul Hickey in a private ceremony.

The dress code 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 31-year old blonde bride looked stunning as she said 'I do' to fiance Paul in her 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.

A large contingent from Paul's home town of Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon travelled up for the big day.

The wedding has been 18 months in the making since Paul, who now works in health economics proposed to Helen on a break away in Connemara in January 2016.

Arriving fashionably late by just 15 minutes, the junior minister of state for European politics turned heads with a breathtaking backless ivory dress with plunging neck-line and net skirt. 

The day was tinged with a little sadness in the absence of Helen's dad - the affable and larger than life TD Shane McEntee who died almost five years ago.

Her brother Vincent took his place on the day to walk her down the aisle and both Shane and Paul's late dad Paddy were remembered in prayer during the ceremony.

The Minister who stormed home in a by-election in Meath East in March 2013 with over 9,350 first preference votes, chose a beautiful blush pink colour for her bridesmaids.

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.

Proud mums Kathleen McEntee and Maria Hickey brought the gifts up to the altar in the Mass, celebrated by Paul's relation Fr Michael O'Brien.

Other guests at the huge 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.

Thankfully any forecast rain stayed away and in near-perfect conditions, the sunshine clad couple celebrated their union in Cabra Castle in Co. Cavan.

SEE THE FULL GALLERY OF WEDDING PICTURES HERE

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.

'We've received so many best wishes this morning from people all over the country, which has all been so overwhelming.'