Back from left: Brendan, Charlotte, Helena, Catherine, Tommy, Danielle, Caroline, Kate and Desmond. Photograph: Joe Hanley
Joe and Sheila Martin, St. Stephens’ Park, Castleisland, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their children, daughters in law and grandchildren recently in Ballygarry House Hotel & Spa, Tralee.
“We had a really lovely day, with fun and laughter and happy memories.”, said Sheila. Joe was in full agreement saying “I always treasure days like this, spent with all the family together. We are blessed to have our lovely daughters in law and grandchildren close by – they are a big part of our lives.”
When they were asked during the week, what the secret to a long marriage was, they both said with tongues firmly in cheeks, “two televisions”! However, they both felt that facing the world together, rearing their family, and now helping with the grandchildren, has kept them happy and contented. “We are very lucky with our great neighbours and friends”, said Sheila, “we have a lot to be thankful about”.
Joe, who works at Divanes Garage – “for longer than I’ve known Sheila”, he joked, is from Castleisland, while Sheila is from Kilsarcon, Currow. They both love dancing, and first met at a dance in Currow, in October, 1961.
Over the following years, they regularly danced at the Astor, Carnegie Hall, Castleisland, while their favourite venue was the East End Ballroom every Sunday night in Scartaglin. Joe and Sheila were married in Currow Church on the 26th January, 1966, and held their reception in the Park Place Hotel, Killarney.
Joe and Sheila were both very touched at the good wishes and cards that have been sent to them to mark their big milestone. “People are very kind and considerate to think of us, and to wish us well – it means a lot”, said Sheila.
