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The World News – 25 October, 1902
MARRIAGE IN IRISH.
THE FIRST WEDDING IN LONDON IN THE GAELIC TONGUE.
The first marriage solemnised in London ln the Irish language took place recently at Dockhead Catholic Church.
The bridegroom was Mr. John O’Keane, for the past three years the secretary of the Gaelic League of London, the bride Miss Kathleen Dineen, of Forest-gate, a charming young lady whose singing of Irish songs has often stirred Gaelic League gatherings in London.
The ceremony was performed by the Rev. M Moloney. Wherever the Catholic Church allows the use of the vernacular Irish only was employed. From this to the solemn and sonorous Latin of the nuptial mass seemed a natural transition.
After the ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. O’Keane received the congratulations of a large gathering of friends in Irish. Professional men, civil servants, and general workers were largely to the fore. The young pair drove away for Paddington (for Ireland) amid a chorus of hearty and genial benedictions in their native language.