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Red tape prevented this gay couple from marrying today

Dolores Murphy and her partner Mabel Stoop-Murphy were due to be one of the first same-sex couples to officially wed today.

BUREAUCRACY PREVENTED THE marriage of a same-sex couple in Cork today, on the first day that such unions were rendered legal within Ireland.

Dolores Murphy and her partner Mabel Stoop-Murphy were told by officials at Cork registry office that the marriage could not take place because a 24-hour notice period required under the Civil Registration Act between their signing of a declaration of consent and the marriage itself had not fully passed.

A clearly heartbroken Dolores subsequently told reporters that “as usual the government has let us down again”.

She and Mabel received the news only minutes before they had been due to wed.

The couple are free to marry from tomorrow though it is unclear when the ceremony will now be held.

Earlier Dolores had told RTE’s Morning Ireland that her father, who died in 2013, would have been “so happy to be present for this day”.

I never thought this would actually happen, not here. It’s overwhelming, I’m absolutely shaking from head to toe, I’m just so happy that it’s actually happening.

She described the day as belonging to the couple’s son James.

“It’s his day,” she said.

Read: Same-sex couples can get married in Ireland from today

Read: Wayne and DJ will be one of Ireland’s first same-sex couples to get married later today

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80 Comments
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    Mute Rasputin
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:02 PM

    Hey look I’m all in favour of gay marriage but it’s hardly the governments fault the couple didn’t follow the rules or read the forms they were signing.

    1384
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    Mute Suzie Sunshine
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:16 PM

    Richard and Cormac became the first to get married today in Tipperary .

    216
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    Mute Rasputin
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:26 PM

    Because Richard and Cormac followed the rules and submitted the required paperwork in a timely fashion.

    738
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    Mute Suzie Sunshine
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:29 PM

    Exactly Rasputin

    189
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    Mute Richard Cynical
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:29 PM

    exactly rasputin for me this ultimate equal rights every man women child dog and cat has to deal with red tape. I for one welcome our gay friends

    175
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    Mute Keano
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:58 PM

    The first line of the article is such a load of bollock$. “Bureaucracy prevented…”. No it wasn’t bureaucracy. It was the bloody rules. Suck it up and get on with it. Attention seeking asshats.

    522
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    Mute AN other
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:58 PM

    How many times has this happened to a straight couple and NOT been reported in the media?

    Equality should work both ways!

    482
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    Mute Suzie Sunshine
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    Nov 18th 2015, 12:03 AM

    You’re spot on there AN other

    135
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    Mute Rasputin
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    Nov 18th 2015, 12:19 AM

    Personally, if I were gay and wanting to get married I’d wait a few weeks at least to make sure all the kinks had been ironed out and not rushed into it on the first day. This is new territory for everybody involved and it’s more than likely that there will be a few misunderstandings like this surrounding the first few weddings.

    116
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    Mute justanothertaxpayer
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    Nov 18th 2015, 1:51 AM

    welcome to equality – I for one am actually genuinely happy you get to experience it equally – as are the majority of the country thankfully.

    69
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    Mute Alan Lawlor
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    Nov 18th 2015, 8:13 AM

    … Now begins the civil rights campaign for gay divorce

    51
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    Mute gerry o donell
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    Nov 18th 2015, 8:46 AM

    My heart goes out to theses fellas, the government are still trying to block these two men from getting married.

    43
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    Mute Damien Roche
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    Nov 17th 2015, 10:59 PM

    Equality: same laws for everyone.

    694
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    Mute Demise Grad
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:44 PM

    Exactly Damien, can’t see how they got to the conclusion that the government has let them down. Did they get incorrect info from the government or something? The rules and procedures are the same for everyone, as they should be. It’s a pity for them after organising the day but hardly the government’s fault they were mistaken about the timeline.

    360
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    Mute family guy
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:44 PM

    I don’t have any sympathy for them. They never followed the rules and they thought because their gay we should bend the law for them. We all have to put up with stupid laws deal with it.

    328
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    Mute Damien Roche
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:47 PM

    I wouldn’t say they were trying to bend the laws. I’m guessing they just got the timing wrong.

    70
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    Mute family guy
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:51 PM

    Damien it’s not hard to add 24hrs onto a time. If they gave notice at 10am they can’t get married till 10am the following day. It’s not rocket science.

    184
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    Mute A B
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:03 PM

    … It’s their own fault

    486
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    Mute Free comment ratings
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:08 PM

    As usual the government let them down? Ffs suck it up and stop being victims.

    459
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    Mute Conor Power
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:23 PM

    Thanks Obama!

    55
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    Mute Paul
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:01 PM

    Oh bore off, ssriously Goverment has let use down…..they have did more than enough to facilitate u.

    353
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    Mute BevinArmageddon
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:46 PM

    Seriously, why is this even news. They didn’t follow the right procedure simple as.

    200
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    Mute Beachmaster
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:50 PM

    I went to the cinema tonight but it was full. Apparently, if I had booked a ticket I’d have got in. WHERE’S MY FCUKING ARTICLE?

    305
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    Mute gerry o donell
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    Nov 18th 2015, 8:47 AM

    Gay marriage helping ugly people to commit to a life of suffering.

    47
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    Mute Conor Kirwan
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:20 PM

    It’s the government’s fault you couldn’t be arsed organising yourselves properly and registering your intent the same way the rest of us mere mortals have to? You’ll be wanting Enda to wipe your arse and brush your teeth for you next!

    272
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    Mute newbie
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:14 PM

    Sounds like a bit of media hungry ppl looking to get a free wedding out of this. Everyone who is getting married straight or gay follows same rules so I don’t get the issue. This is a non media story but more stupidity on their behalf. But hey if they get a free wedding reception, honeymoon then the government are great……

    270
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    Mute newbie
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:18 PM

    I’d also be very interested to know which made them more upset.. Not getting married today or not being the first to get married and have pictures in papers , to etc…..

    276
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    Mute Beachmaster
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    Nov 18th 2015, 12:02 AM

    “If you’re not first, you’re last” Ricky Bobby

    70
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    Mute the phantom
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:05 PM

    I really don’t get this. Seriously annoying situation but the governments fault “as usual”?
    Enda should call a enquiry over this!!!

    222
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    Mute Stephen Doyle
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:53 PM

    “It’s his day” me hole! They were looking for 15 mins of fame and it backfired, morto for ya

    178
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    Mute Francis Folan
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:59 PM

    Feel sorry for the poor kid and his dad

    105
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    Mute Larissa Caroline Nikolaus
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    Nov 18th 2015, 7:06 AM

    I feel sorry for you, you’re such a narrow minded hater

    20
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    Mute Paul Fahey
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    Nov 18th 2015, 7:34 AM

    Francis – the child looks very healthy to me, but I would be worried by any children you may have.

    12
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    Mute molly coddled
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:31 PM

    We had to give three months notice to the registrar/church and attend a pre-marital course :S. 1983.

    137
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    Mute Patrick Yore
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:57 PM

    24hrs notice? We were inside the 3 months notice that was required and we had to go to court to get permission to wed, I presume reason for this is to ensure we were genuine and not marrying for visas. We also had to do the pre-marriage course…so what is this story about again…oh yeah didn’t read the small print!

    135
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    Mute Keano
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:53 PM

    So typical of the Journal to run with a non story because the gays are involved. These clowns are the reason their “wedding” didn’t take place, nobody else. They’ll probably be on the radio tomorrow with some sob story looking for a freebie. Schills.

    127
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    Mute Frances Brennan
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:26 PM

    Should they not have checked the rules … Similar rules apply to straight couples ,

    127
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    Mute Matt Connolly
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:08 PM

    Good news….still got your pic in the media!

    124
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    Mute Sandra Turner
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:18 PM

    Couldn’t they have gotten married later today once the time had elapsed?

    120
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    Mute Francis Folan
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:52 PM

    “She described the day as belonging to the couple’s son James.” Couples son? God biology sure has changed a lot since I was at school

    109
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    Mute Old Gordon
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    Nov 18th 2015, 12:35 AM

    Genetically, it’s possible for a child to have three parents (ie. Donor egg)!

    13
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    Mute justanothertaxpayer
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    Nov 18th 2015, 1:54 AM

    possibly two dads – but how does two mams work?

    26
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    Mute Amy Gaffney
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    Nov 18th 2015, 12:48 PM

    Donor egg implanted into another woman for pregnancy. How the hell does two dads work?

    3
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    Mute Marie Courtney
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    Nov 18th 2015, 12:10 AM

    I’m sorry the government “didn’t let them down again”. They didn’t follow the law and give adequate notice as required. Heterosexual couples would be turned away also if they did not give the required notice. So get a grip. Your not special. As for calling the media in to moan about it..your only showing your own stupidity in timekeeping . Good luck with the wedding by the way.

    92
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    Mute Meehawwl O'Buachailla
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    Nov 18th 2015, 2:48 AM

    Two people get their facts mixed up about their marriage procedure. This is news?

    69
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    Mute AN other
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    Nov 18th 2015, 12:03 AM

    In the interest of equality should the headline be changed to “Red tape prevented this couple from marrying today”

    Just saying

    64
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    Mute justanothertaxpayer
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    Nov 18th 2015, 1:55 AM

    should say – “couple decide at last minute to make claim to fame – fail due to piss poor planning”

    108
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    Mute Patricia Boland
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    Nov 18th 2015, 1:08 AM

    No Dolores, you are wrong. Its not the government’s fault – you simply didn’t follow the procedures, they’re fairly straightforward.
    In your rush to be one of, if not the first same sex couple to marry, you forgot the procedures.
    Anyway have a good day when you finally organise it, all the best to you both for the future.

    63
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    Mute TommyRyder
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    Nov 18th 2015, 6:05 AM

    Thick or wha?
    Hope that poor kid got his IQ levels from his dad.
    Whoever HE is.

    60
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    Mute Tony_Kilduff
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    Nov 18th 2015, 11:14 AM

    Shhhhhhh. Don’t mention the “F” word. The kid doesn’t need on don’t ya know ?

    9
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    Mute Rob Cahill
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    Nov 18th 2015, 12:13 PM

    So we have another day before the sky falls lads?? great news. Off to church for a pray with ye.

    2
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    Mute Tony_Kilduff
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    Nov 18th 2015, 12:28 PM

    Not religious Robbie boy, sorry, try again

    4
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    Mute Rob Cahill
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    Nov 18th 2015, 12:32 PM

    You realise having no religion to hide your shameful bigotry and homophobia behind makes you an even worse person right?

    1
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    Mute Tony_Kilduff
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    Nov 18th 2015, 1:01 PM

    Worse person according to who Rob ? I lot of people find your opinions vile, shameful and abhorrent don’t forget that.

    8
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    Mute Lloyd Hetherington
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:26 PM

    Always read the small print!… But tomorrow’s another day.

    60
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    Mute Ken O'Neill
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    Nov 18th 2015, 2:36 AM

    That photo is just soooo wrong, poor kid.

    56
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    Mute Demise Grad
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    Nov 18th 2015, 3:31 AM

    Do you think poor kid when you see children from single parent homes Ken? Do you think single parent households are so wrong? If not, why do you think it in this instance?

    15
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    Mute Rob Cahill
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    Nov 18th 2015, 12:16 PM

    29 red thumbs. Shocking

    1
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    Mute Tony_Kilduff
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    Nov 19th 2015, 10:10 AM

    Not everyone agrees with your point of view Robbie boy ? Shocking.

    2
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    Mute Scott Crossfield
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:00 PM

    Ah bless them, hopefully it will be sorted for them asap and best of luck to them

    52
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    Mute Barra O Brien
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    Nov 18th 2015, 1:09 AM

    Click bait headline results in comments backlash against shonky journalism. There is hope after all.

    49
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    Mute Michael Garett
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    Nov 18th 2015, 2:51 AM

    Im waiting for the first same sex divorce. Then they’ll have reached true equality. Love is blind, marriage is an eye opener.

    44
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    Mute Sallins Man
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:28 PM

    Oh what a gay day

    41
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    Mute ChocSaltyBallz
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    Nov 18th 2015, 1:33 AM

    Learn to count

    36
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    Mute Frank Brennan
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    Nov 18th 2015, 4:17 AM

    More trash news! who cares What they do ?

    31
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    Mute Paul Forrestal
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    Nov 18th 2015, 8:51 AM

    Your actually required to give 5 days notice but the registrar can reduce this to 24hrs in exceptional circumstances but under zero circumstances can he/she reduce this further or the marriage is simply null and void. It seems to me the “state” done their best for this couple and could do no more. They didn’t read the paperwork, simples!

    30
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    Mute Joachin Peiper
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    Nov 18th 2015, 12:08 AM

    I have NO comment or opinion on this story.

    27
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    Mute Michael Mc Gauley
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:05 PM

    We should be perusing for the innocent victims in France they can marry any time

    21
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    Mute Caroline Mangan-Reid
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    Nov 18th 2015, 9:03 AM

    I feel sorry for them that their day is ruined but it’s nobody’s fault except their own. They should have checked their timings properly.

    18
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    Mute FlopFlipU
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    Nov 18th 2015, 8:27 AM

    They got their name in the paper so all will be well

    17
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    Mute Michael Mc Gauley
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    Nov 17th 2015, 11:05 PM

    My comment is meant to say praying for

    16
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    Mute Paul Roche
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    Nov 18th 2015, 5:23 AM

    Interesting.
    10 and a half years after informing the Registrar Generals Office about falsified information on the 3 month notice and fraudulent declarations made prior to my “marriage”, I’m still waiting for the Registrar General to do something about it.
    How he’s going to register the “divorce” will be most interesting, because he needs to use a Birth Surname, which he knows to be untrue in order to “register” it.

    15
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    Mute Tony_Kilduff
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    Nov 18th 2015, 11:11 AM

    I feel sorry for the kid. But sure once his 2 mammys are happy that’s all that matters …

    15
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    Mute Rob Cahill
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    Nov 18th 2015, 12:24 PM

    Everyone here feels sorry for your kids Tony. I honestly hope they have the sense to see through the hatred and make their own minds up later in life. You and your ilk had your time. It’s gone. let it go.

    1
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    Mute Tony_Kilduff
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    Nov 18th 2015, 12:30 PM

    Lol… you keep telling yourself that. Where do you get hatred from concern for a child anyway ? Do you hate children ?

    6
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    Mute Rob Cahill
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    Nov 18th 2015, 12:40 PM

    You have absolutely no idea what circumstances led to them being a family. You are not concerned for that child one bit because to me he looks like every other child of that age, Happy to be loved by his parents. That child is their child no matter how much you hate it. This referendum makes him a hell of a lot more secure in that family unit. You voted against him being secure in the family unit that was never going to change whether a yes or no vote won. Remind me again how I hate children and you don’t??

    4
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    Mute Tony_Kilduff
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    Nov 18th 2015, 1:04 PM

    I don’t hate it, makes no difference to me, I feel sorry for him. If you had any regard for children you would too. They doesn’t deserve your pc bullshìt.

    9
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    Mute Padraig Corcoran
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    Nov 18th 2015, 7:32 AM

    RTE may have lost the rights to the Six Nations but the backed the right couple tonight over TV3 to report on.

    14
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    Mute UM
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    Nov 18th 2015, 1:31 PM

    Such a lot of begrudgery on here. Such absolute hate and nastiness. Have we not moved on from the dark and narrow minded 80′s?
    I hope this couple don’t read these comments. Best of luck to them both and their son

    2
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    Mute Brian Nagle
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    Nov 18th 2015, 12:42 PM

    Rasputin, you are a

    1
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