A lavish wedding which appeared to breach public health rules has been slammed as “beyond comprehension” by a councillor who said there is upset in the community.
Video and photos have emerged of a horse drawn pink and white carriage carrying the bride to a Traveller wedding in Christ the King Church in Salthill, Galway, on Friday.
A crowd had gathered at the church door to greet the carriage, which was followed by at least three more cars carrying the wedding party, including bridesmaids.
Galway City West Fine Gael councillor Clodagh Higgins said: “What happened in Salthill is simply beyond comprehension and it has upset the community here who have been so compliant with the lockdown restrictions throughout the past year.
“When I look around my community and I see restaurants, hairdressers, pubs, retailers and so many more businesses closed I feel it is an insult to those people who have sacrificed so much.
“We would all love to be celebrating but it is totally inappropriate in level five lockdown.
“The focus must be on keeping our people safe so we can reopen our economy. We are at the beginning of the end of this terrible 12 months and I am imploring people to stick with the plan; we are nearly there.”
Under level five restrictions up to six guests are allowed at a wedding.
A spokesman for Pavee Point Traveller support group repeated its message, urging people to avoid large gatherings.
Co-director Martin Collins said: “I think it’s reckless behaviour.
“Thankfully the majority of Travellers are obeying the guidelines, but we have a minority who are not.
“It’s very unfair to everybody else, Traveller and settled, who are making huge sacrifices to suppress the virus.
“Public health and the preservation of life trumps everything else, so I’m pleading one more time to that minority in my community, please be more responsible.
“I hope people in the majority of the population won’t use this to further stigmatise Travellers or reinforce stereotypes, because we know it’s not just some Travellers who are not observing the guidelines.”
Gardai confirmed they attended the wedding and “engaged” with those present, but it is not investigating any public health breaches.
Fr Gerry Jennings, parish priest at Christ the King Church, told the Sunday Mirror: “We’re not making any comment on a private wedding.”
