Justine & Brian

I had a quick spin down the road to Ballaghadereen on Friday for Justine & Brian's wedding. After finding Justine's house in Derrinacartha, I nipped into town to Clarke's, which is owned and run by Brian's mother Angela. There were quite a few friends and relatives there getting in the mood for the day, so Brian and his best men James took a quiet moment in the George Melly snug. There aren't too many pubs west of the Shannon where you'd find the legendary jazz singer, author and raconteur on the wall, but Angela and Tom are fans. I saw him play in Ronnie Scott's in Soho almost 20 years ago... Meanwhile back at Justine's house Siobhan & Geraldine were making sure that the bride was looking perfect, helped by Emma, while her little sister Lilly took a pre-wedding nap.

Brian likes his cars, and travelled in style in a limited edition Lancia which turned heads all along the road to Kiltimagh. And even in these politically-correct times, what can you do with a sexy Italian sports car except drape some beautiful girls over the bonnet? Back at the Hotel, Claire provided a warm welcome for everyone with some trad music laid on in the bar, where there was lots of time for everyone to relax and mingle before dinner. Next stop for Brian & Justine is Chicago, then San Francisco and a tour of southern California. Sounds good to me.