Rory’s tying the knot in Mayo today, but he’s still chasing birdies...
The golfer shot some clay pigeons
THE eyes of the world have descended on Ashford Castle in Cong, Co. Mayo for the wedding of Rory McIlroy to his fiancée Erica Stoll later today.
The couple arrived in the hotel yesterday – and have been spotted out and about in the village. And although it’s no shotgun wedding, McIlroy reportedly tried his hand at clay pigeon shooting yesterday while his bride-to-be showed off the countryside to her American relatives.
Meanwhile, the couple’s celebrity friends have been arriving in force. Niall Horan landed on a flight from London while Coldplay’s Chris Martin and singer Ed Sheeran are also rumoured to be on the guest list.
Golf stars Pádraig Harrington and Sergio Garcia are expected to be in attendance and music legend Stevie Wonder is understood to be performing for the wedding.
Large-scale preparations of the grounds were visible from a nearby marina. Security at the picturesque castle was tight.
Every possible way into the grounds was flanked by numerous security guards while the main entrance was manned by well-dressed members of staff and security personnel.
It’s believed 14 helicopter landings were scheduled for the 24 hours before the ceremony, bringing in high-profile celebrities and sports stars. Some SUVs and blacked-out Mercedes vans, believed to be carrying guests, were allowed to use the main entrance. Details of the ceremony and celebrations have been kept tightly under wraps
However, it’s believed some of the wedding party will take a boat trip on Lough Corrib and pictures could possibly be taken of the newlyweds on Inchagoill, the lake’s most famous island set within 100 beautiful acres of state owned forest park.
It’s also expected that guests will get to enjoy a stunning fireworks display tonight over the lake. The newlyweds will likely retire to the resort’s stunning ‘honeymoon suite’ – a former boathouse which is separated from the main buildings and decked out in top quality décor.
The celebrity wedding has brought a buzz to the small village.
Gareth O’Grady, manager of Cohan’s pub in the village, said ‘It’s very good for the area. A lot of people are coming in today for drinks hoping that they might see someone.’