Julie McGrath & Andrew Dollard

Ballygarry Estate Hotel, Co. Kerry

Photos courtesy of Black Diamond Photography

The Meet

The story of Julie McGrath from Ardfert, Co. Kerry and Andrew Dollard from Portlaoise, Co. Laois is one of true love grabbed back at a second chance. The couple first met at a friend’s house party when Julie was only 15 years old. Andrew was 19. The instant attraction was apparent when Andrew walked in ‘full of devilment, so handsome and confident,’ said Julie. The pair were drawn to each other immediately. They spent the night chatting and listening to music, an exciting connection from the get-go.  In the months that followed they continued a long-distance relationship, with Julie travelling to Laois to see Andrew whenever possible. But there was trouble ahead. The night they met Julie had lied about her age, leading Andrew to believe she was 17, not 15. After some months together 
he found out her true age and abruptly ended the relationship, leaving Julie devastated. Years went by with no contact. Julie kept all the photos and messages he had sent her, not having the heart to get rid of them. But one day out of the blue, a Facebook message from Andrew sparked excitement. They were in contact again. Julie recalls it being “just like before” an immediate connection, talking for hours, this time with so much to catch up on. The pair were ‘just drawn to each other, becoming the best of friends and the rest was history’. 

The Engagement

Andrew and Julie’s engagement happened on Christmas Eve, 2020. Andrew had initially booked Ashford Castle to propose but the country was going back into lockdown so he opted for a nice lunch in their local spot just a few minutes from their home. When they arrived home Julie was met with a romantic runway of candles to the 
Christmas tree, which was surrounded by flowers, balloons, champagne and a sparkling engagement ring. Andrew got down on one knee and had a lovely speech ready for Julie, so shocked that she had to ask him to repeat it! They ordered pizza and had champagne to celebrate what turned out to be a ‘very sentimental’ evening.

The Wedding

The couple were married on October 28, 2022. The ceremony was held at The Lodge at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and the reception at Ballygarry Estate Hotel. They walked up the aisle to “I get to love you” by Ruelle and had their first dance to James Arthur’s “Say you won’t let go.” For the main course, guests had a choice of sirloin steak, hake, honey roast duck or vegetable wellington. After the meal guests were surprised with the arrival of Singing Diva Waiters. Among their most treasured memories of the day is the beautiful ceremony. Others for Julie include her aunt reading her favourite poem – “Home’ by Imelda May – and for dancing to “My Girl” by the Temptations with her father. Their wonderful cake was made with lots of love by Cakes by Deborah. It was a three-tier fondant cake. The bottom tier was Guinness and Baileys Chocolate Fudge, the middle tier was red velvet, and the top tier was delicious raspberry and white chocolate.


Her advice to others is to remember that the day flies. Try to stay calm and enjoy this rare time with your loved ones all together under the one roof. Suit yourself and try not to worry about others’ opinions. Julie highly recommends a videographer, which allows you to relive it all over again for anniversaries and so forth. The day goes so quickly ‘you forget some bits’ and it’s great to be able to see friends and family ‘having a ball on your day’

 How was your experience with Ballygarry Estate Hotel? 

“Because of the team at Ballygarry I will always think back on our wedding as one of the best days of our lives. Padraig, Thys, Amanda and the whole team are amazing at what they do and when it comes to weddings they really are in a league of their own. Ballygarry will forever hold a special place in our heart.” ballygarry.com

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