The Mayor of Athlone Alan Shaw married Claire McKenna of Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford, on Friday last July 15 at a ceremony which took place in St Mary's Church, Edgeworthstown.

The couple were married in the beautifully renovated St Mary's Church where the ceremony was celebrated by Fr Brendan O'Sullivan and Fr Pat Murphy. The reception was held later that day in the Glasson Country Hotel where guests included An Taoiseach, Deputy Enda Kenny as well as MEP Jim Higgins and Longford/Westmeath's Deputy Nicky McFadden and Deputy James Bannon. Former EU Commissioner from Castlebar Mr Padraig Flynn was also present to join in the celebrations.

The new bride is daughter of Carmel and the late Noel McKenna of Cranleymore, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford. Claire's sister Rose O'Brien was bridesmaid and Rose's daughter Niamh was junior bridesmaid.

Claire was also joined by her brothers Declan and Mel, while Alan's brother Declan Shaw performed the role of best man. Cadhla Shaw and Mel O'Brien led the bridal party as flower girl and page boy.

The newly married couple were entertained at the wedding reception by local Irish dancers Fuinneamh and later by the band Men in Black. The photographer for the day was Athlone's Liam Kidney.

Alan said this week he is looking forward to his new beginning both as husband and as Mayor of Athlone.