A Lurgan councillor, preparing to tie the knot later this week, has been warned to “keep on the right side” of his soon-to-be mother-in-law.
On Thursday, SDLP Councillor Ciaran Toman will marry his long-term partner Kathleen Kelly, who so happens to be the daughter of SDLP Assembly member for Upper Bann, Dolores Kelly.
Councillors from across the political spectrum passed on their well-wishes…as well as their tongue-in-cheek warnings, at the monthly meeting of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
Party colleague Thomas O’Hanlon said: “I wish Ciaran and Kathleen many years of happiness and for any of us who have walked that plank, we’re always warned of the mother-in-law,” he joked.
“Well, Ciaran’s mother-in-law is Dolores Kelly, so that comes with the caveat in itself, so to Ciaran and Kathleen I wish you all the best and to Dolores as well – you’ll need to keep on the right side of her.”
Mark Baxter of the DUP and Sinn Fein’s Liam Mackle conveyed theirs and their party well-wishes while Alliance Councillor Peter Lavery mentioned how Councillor Toman had “struck it lucky” marrying into an Aghagallon family.
Alderman Jim Speers, of the Ulster Unionists, to the delight of the chamber, added: “Someone said to me getting married was an eye opener but it doesn’t necessarily make you see any better. I wish the young couple every blessing as they move forward.”
Signing off on social media, Councillor Toman, wrote: “Thanks to my council colleagues for stitching me up at full council this evening. For anybody watching would have got a good laugh.
“I will have intermittent access to my emails and social media channels so bare with me over the next couple of weeks and I will get back to you as soon as I can.”
And to Ciaran and Kathleen, we at Armagh I would like to wish you years of happiness ahead.
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