Footballers Emer Gallagher and Seamie ‘Nanny’ Friel tie the knot

A couple often seen on football fields were joined by their families and friends for their wedding day last week.

Termon and Donegal defender Emer Gallagher and Seamie ‘Nanny’ Friel from Doaghbeg, who lines out for Gaeil Fhánada as well as Fanad United in the Donegal League, tied the knot in Glendowan.

The couple exchanged their vows at St Colmcille’s Church, with Fr Michael McKeever conducting the official duties on Friday. 

Their reception followed afterwards in Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey, where Emer’s parents Don and Rosaleen had also celebrated following their wedding in July 1989. Emer was delighted to have both her grandmothers, Jessie McNulty and Nellie Gallagher, who will be 94 this year, there on the big day. 

Nicole McLaughlin was maid of honour, with both her and Emer having left in protective boots having picked up injuries in Donegal’s last Division 1 game against Mayo last month and faced a race against the clock!

Wedding photographs were taken by Kilmacrennan’s Paul Doherty in Glenveagh National Park, where Emer’s father and his family spent their childhood living and working for the previous owner, Mr Henry McIlhenney. 

Emer is teacher in Loreto Secondary School in Letterkenny, whilst also working for TG4 as a football analyst and presenter, and Seamie, the son of Seamus and Susie, is a Client Facilitator in Donegal Horizons Letterkenny. The happy couple are currently enjoying their minimoon in the sunshine in Tenerife.