LOVE was in the air in Kildare last Saturday, April 12th with the wedding of Emer Coonan from the well-known hunting and racing family and Simon Beirne. The ceremony was held at St Brigid’s Church in Straffan conducted by Celebrant Fr Joe McDonald.

The happy couple led the way in a vintage MGA convertible to the reception at the nearby K Club where 180 family and friends rocked the night away until the early hours to the music of The Swing Band.

A number of guests travelled from the USA and from the banking and technology world in Singapore.

Emer and Simon met at Landsdowne Tennis Club two years ago and have been constant companions since.

Her family were regular followers of the Kildare Hunt but would be well-known for their success in the racing world. Besides a great interest in tennis, Simon is a keen GAA footballer and played for the Dublin under 21 team.

Emer’s grandfather, Peter Coonan, bred the 1964 Aintree Grand National winner Team Spirit and her father, Dominick, stood the National Hunt stallion Raise You Ten who sired Ten Up, the winner of the 1975 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

He also stood Emmson by Ela Mana Moe who was sold on to Brazil where he sired three of the countries most successful stallions.

To commemorate his remarkable contribution to breeding in Brazil, there is a large bronze work erected on Rio de Janerio Racecourse. As keen travellers on a recent holiday in South America, Emer and Simon got to attend an evening race meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The happy couple are travelling to Japan for their honeymoon where they will take in the sights around the island for three weeks. We wish them every good health and happiness in their life together.