Couple tie first civil knot in former hospital

The first couple to be married at Dublin's new register office at Sir Patrick Dun's Hospital tied the knot shortly after noon…

The first couple to be married at Dublin's new register office at Sir Patrick Dun's Hospital tied the knot shortly after noon. The marriage between Ms Melissa Adjei and Mr Kaz Ishola was conducted by the newly-appointed registrar, Ms Teresa Byrne, in the boardroom of the refurbished former hospital.

Hundreds of couples, at a rate of about five a day, are expected to marry in the office over the next three months.

The Eastern Health Board, which has taken over responsibility for civil weddings, has expanded facilities. Couples can now get married on a Saturday.

About 1,200 civil weddings are expected to take place in Dublin city and county this year.

Catherine Cleary

Catherine Cleary

Catherine Cleary, a contributor to The Irish Times, is a founder of Pocket Forests