Two Rathmore couples celebrated a unique golden wedding anniversary this week.

Mary Cronin and Charles McCarthy on their wedding day 50 years ago

Mary Gordon and Timmy Jo Brosnan on their wedding day 50 years ago

Mary Gordon and Timmy Jo Brosnan and her first cousin Mary Cronin and Charles McCarthy were married in a double wedding celebration at St. Joseph’s Church, Rathmore on August 25, 1973.

The two brides are cousins, grew up together and celebrate their birthdays less than three weeks apart.

“They went on honeymoon around Ireland for a week and spent their first night in Rathkeale. They have lived and raised their families in Gneeveguilla ever since. They never ask for anything and are very special people and we love them very much,” said daughter Catriona Brosnan “They're still great buddies and live near each other in Gneeveguilla. Mary Gordon [Brosnan], my mother, was brought up with her first cousin Mary Cronin [McCarthy] in Gneeveguilla. They grew up together from the age of four.”