Cork same-sex couple become first to tie the knot at an Irish casino

The couple's ceremony on Friday, February 13, will be featured in RTÉ’s ‘Don’t Tell the Bride’, to will be aired tomorrow.

With just two week’s notice, the Macau pulled out all the stops to organise and register to hold civil services in its Mint restaurant to fulfil the dreams of the couple who live in Mahon in Cork.

Macau Sporting Club is now the only casino in Ireland where civil services can be held and in an apt twist offers newlyweds the chance of winning back the full cost of their ceremony package on the roulette table by spinning the wheel for black or red.

Finbarr Corkery, director of Macau Sporting Club, which has casinos in Dublin and Cork described his reaction to the call from ‘Don’t Tell the Bride’ which came early last month.

“We often hold private and corporate functions but a civil ceremony was certainly new territory for us. It was really exciting and we were so delighted to play a part of Nora and Katriona’s special day and we hope their wedding was the first of many that will be held with us.”

Nora explained how the casino theme wedding was her idea.

“Katriona was shocked but loved it thankfully. Our friends and families were shocked to find out where the ceremony would be held at first but thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was so special to us.

“I even rolled the dice on the roulette table ahead of the wedding betting 500 which I was thrilled to double.

“It meant that I could buy Katriona the Jimmy Choos she always dreamed of – it made up for the dress that I chose for her and she hated.

“We’re so grateful to all the staff of Macau Sporting Club who went above and beyond to make our day a dream come true. Friday the 13th was definitely my lucky day.”