Cork Dean Celebrates Marriage in a Modern-Day Love Story

In a charming celebration that epitomizes a modern-day love story, the Very Reverend Nigel Dunne, Dean of Cork, and Sonya Dunne (née Keogh) recently tied the knot. Their marriage was solemnized at St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral in Cork on a fateful Saturday. The ceremony was officiated by the Rt Reverend Dr. Paul Colton, Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, who performed his last marriage ceremony before retirement in April 2024.

Key Figures and Events

• Couple: Very Reverend Nigel Dunne and Sonya Dunne
• Location: St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork
• Officiant: Rt Reverend Dr. Paul Colton
• Event Date: Recent Saturday

A Journey from Professional Encounter to Love

Interestingly, the couple’s path to romance was not instantly romantic. They initially met in a professional setting, where sparks did not fly at first. Rev Dunne humorously remarked about his initial impression of Sonya, describing her as a “nightmare” due to her request for use of the cathedral for a free festival. Sonya reciprocated by recalling her view of him as “stern” and “aloof.”

As time passed, the two began to see each other in a different light. A simple handshake at a cathedral gathering ignited a new connection. Sonya shared, “When I felt his warm hand, I thought of him for the first time in a long while.”

A Modern-Day Love Story

After establishing a friendship, the couple decided to date under the premise of no romance. “I said, ‘I don’t know if I can do romance,’” Sonya commented. Rev Dunne, agreeing, stated, “I said adult company will do.” Their first outing was at Arthur Mayne’s pub, where they bonded watching a Scotland-Ireland match.

The wedding day was filled with love, laughter, and support from a large audience of family, friends, and members of the cathedral community. The ceremony featured a choir of approximately 40 voices, accompanied by an ensemble of talented local musicians.

A New Chapter Ahead

As they begin this new chapter together, the couple is looking forward to their honeymoon in Seville. Reflecting on their experiences, both describe their relationship as a wonderfully vibrant journey, indicative of a modern-day love story.