Kilkenny hurler Cillian Buckley is set to have an eventful weekend as he not only participated in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final at Croke Park but also tied the knot with his partner Niamh Dowling just a day before the big match. The wedding took place at the Church of the Assumption in Tullaroan, Co Kilkenny, and the couple celebrated with a reception at the luxurious Castle Durrow in Co. Laois. It was a day filled with joy and love as they were surrounded by their friends and family.
Cillian Buckley, who plays for the Dicksboro club, had a lot at stake as he stepped onto the field for the championship final against Limerick. This match was a repeat showdown of last year’s decider for the Liam MacCarthy Cup. After a successful wedding celebration, Buckley was hoping to add more glory to his day by helping Kilkenny secure the championship title.
Buckley’s journey to the final was not without its own dramatic moments. In the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship semi-final against Galway last month, he scored a last-second goal that helped propel the Cats to the final. This impressive display of skill and determination showcased his invaluable contribution to the team.
The proposal itself was a romantic affair that took place during a getaway with Niamh at the luxurious five-star hotel, The Europe, located just outside Killarney in Co. Kerry. It was a special moment that marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives together.
In a recent interview on Off The Ball, former Kilkenny goalkeeper David Herity shared an interesting anecdote about Buckley’s expectations for the final. Apparently, Buckley had believed that the final would be taking place on the same weekend as it did last year. However, last year’s All-Ireland final was played a week earlier, on July 17, which led to a slight miscalculation on his part.
Interestingly, love seems to be in the air for Kilkenny hurlers as Buckley’s teammate and best man, Walter Walsh, is also set to tie the knot on July 29. It seems that the team’s success on the field is being mirrored in their personal lives as they embark on new journeys with their partners.
On this day in history, July 23rd, we celebrate the joyous occasion of Cillian Buckley and Niamh Dowling’s wedding, as well as wish the Kilkenny hurling team the best of luck in their pursuit of the championship title. It is a day filled with love, excitement, and the promise of a bright future for all involved.