Pat and Lilly celebrate 50 years of marriage
PAT AND LILLY WHITTY, Tinnock Upper, Gorey, were recently joined by family and friends as they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a surprise party in the Amber Springs Hotel, Gorey.
Among those in attendance were their five grandchildren Riona, Conor, Christopher, Aine and Darragh. Guests travelled from as far as Cork, Clare, Dublin and Portlaoise, to join their local friends and family for a right old knees up.
The couple were absolutely delighted to share the occasion with friends and family, some of whom they hadn't seen for years. Their four children, Ann, Ambrose, Sandra and Emmett and their spouses Tony, Luz, Donal and Mel surprised them with the news of the upcoming party on St. Stephens Day.
Over 100 guests were in attendance, and it was a night full of fun and laughs and lots of dancing with lively music provided by John Flood.
Although Pat himself is a self-taught musician, he never performs in public. However on this occasion, he stunned his unsuspecting audience when he sang a powerful version of Banna Strand. Lilly has been the focus of his serenades for over fifty years, and she still remains an inspiration for many of Pat's own compositions.
When asked for their secret to a long and happy fifty years of marriage, they said to always be positive and take each day as a new adventure, and make sure you have a holiday in Crete every year! That helps too!
The champagne glasses were raised in a toast to the happy couple as they cut their cake, a novelty replica of their red sports car with Pat and Lilly perched in the front, and Pat's banjo and Lilly's canvas and watercolours in the back, which was also a great conversation piece on the night.
Ann and Tony added their artistic touch by decorating the room very tastefully and also hand making a beautiful gold 'Thoughts Book' which all the guests signed as a keepsake on the night.
The party continued until the early hours with everyone dancing the night away.
The couple thanked everyone, saying and were overwhelmed with the whole evening, all the good wishes and gifts.
They also and said it was so lovely to be surrounded for an evening by all their family, and the great friends they had made and kept through the last fifty years. They said they look forward to continuing to welcome them all into their home in the future years also.
