WE ALL KNOW, or once knew, at least one dear old girl and boy who seem to have been holding hands and giggling at each other for the last few centuries.
A couple who have been together through war, loss, grandkids, great-grandkids, and have had countless birthdays, thousands of arguments, and only one best friend.
But who’s been married longer than anyone else in Ireland?
That’s the question being asked by the Catholic Grandparents Association, who have put out a call for the most durable marriage in the country.
The group, based in Westport Co Mayo, is also looking for the secret to a happy, long-lasting marriage.
Its founder Catherine Wiley told TheJournal.ie she has a few thoughts of her own on that subject.
You have to have love, and proper communication. Faith, hope, patience, and breakfast in bed every day is a must!
Wiley, who has herself been married 46 years and has 10 grandchildren, says she’s looking forward to hearing how couples manage the change that comes with decades together.
The love you have for each other when you’re just married is very different from the love you have 20 or 30 years later.
Do you know two people who have been together for decades?
They could be your own parents or grandparents, or simply your neighbours. But if they tied the knot a long time ago (ideally more than 65 years ago) the Catholic Grandparents Association wants to know about them.
The group will be inviting the longest-married couples to the National Grandparents Pilgrimage in Knock on 14 September, but stresses that the search is not limited to Catholics, but open to everyone – “of all faiths and none.”
You can send your claim for the title of longest-married couple in Ireland to catholicgrandparents@gmail.com
But while you’re at it, why not share your story in the comments section below.
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