‘China’ couple return to wed in native Kerry

A KERRY couple living in China, whose romance first blossomed in UCC, married this week in Tralee before starting a two week Irish honeymoon prior to their return to Beijing.

Michael Fitzgerald 27, from Castlegregory and Anne Barry, 26, from Tralee first met in UCC but went to work in different parts of the world before meeting up again two years ago.

Anne’s parents are wellknown Rock Street businessman Kevin Barry and Lillian Barry while Michael’s parents are Castlegregory publican, Jimmy Fitzgerald and wife Aileen.

The couple were married in St John’s Church, Tralee with Anne’s sister - Kerry ladies football star Marina - acting as bridesmaid and the groom’s brother Seamus as best man.

Groom Michael said the couple had planned to honeymoon in Italy but quickly changed their minds once they returned home.

“We were going to go to Italy but we decided to stay in Ireland for the honeymoon. Once we were home, we decided that it would be a pity to leave.

They both like living in Beijing where Michael is head of marketing with telecommunications giant Ericsson while Anne teachers English to the multi-lingual students at the International School in the Chinese capital.

Tánaiste Dick Spring was a little taken aback when he spotted his neighbour Anne in the Irish embassy in Beijing while visiting there this year.

He still recognised a constituent and was aware that his wife Kristi knew Anne from shopping in Barry’s of Rock Street.

The happy couple plan to stay in China for a few more years.

“There is no tax man here in China for tax man. I’m amazed there are not more Irish here,” said Michael.

He also believes that Irish companies are missing out on massive markets in China and points out that New Zealand is busy push with dairy, lamb and other products there.

“I don’t know what Kerry Group are doing but there are big bucks to made out here and all of us in the Irish community would do what we can to help,” he said.

Anne is currently learning Chinese while Michael has a full time interpreter with him.