Stella and I met in July 2003 and hit it off immediately. I was living in Tipperary and working in Limerick and she was living at home and working in Galway. So we have been a weekend and holiday couple for over 4 years ... it has its advantages.

We have been to a lot of weddings in the four plus years together and we are really looking forward to our own big day in September 2008.

This website is cool. We are now going to share our story in greater detail. Pay attention and you will be able to answer all the quiz questions.

How We Met

On the 13th July 2003, Tipperary played Galway in Round 3 of the All-Ireland Qualifiers in Pearse Stadium Salthill in front of a crowd of over 29,000. Tipperary won the match easily by 1-18 to 1-17 and as the scoreline suggests Tipperary gifted them a few scores at the end so that the locals wouldn't feel too bad.

Later that evening in the Front Door, Stella and I met and chatted about the match, life, work and how great a spot Galway is. I was with a crowd of lads, one of whom knew Stella and the unruly bunch she was with. Anyways, we had a great night. Our group went to the Warwick and Stella went home.

That week i sent Stella an email to introduce myself... i got the address by looking up the website of the company whose name i have remembered and luckily her email was there as she was responsible for IT at that time. Needless to say she was delighted to hear from me. After numerous emails we arranged to meet up in Galway to go to the Comedy club on the following Sunday as it was Arts Week. So the 20th of July 2003 is our official First Date. It absolutely bucketed down with rain that evening and the rest is history!

Stella can add here how she told me to propose to her! Again there is a sporting connection.

Stella: Well first of all it just goes to show how much my wonderful Fiancee remembers about our first meeting. We actually met the night BEFORE that match. Yes it was in the Front Dorr through a mutual friend but we didn't chat - I did all the talking - Donnchadh just stood in front of me and didn't say a word - I suppose he was just so taken with my beauty that he was speechless. Yes, I did go home but as for the unruly bunch - there were 2 of us and 13 of them!! (I rest my case).

Our First Date

Our first date was on the 20th of July - a Sunday evening and we went for dinner in McSwiggans and then on to the Cinema to see Bruce Almighty as the Comedy club was booked out. That night it rained so much Galway's Quay street was flooded. Nothing new for Galway I suppose!

The Big Engagement

Stella bought me a fantastic present of a trip to Manchester to see United for my 30th birthday. So on the 9th April 2006 we headed for Old Trafford to see the brilliant United take on Arsenal. We were in the Stretford End in the singing section - we were behind the goal and had a great view.

Chelsea had the league sown up and United were second and Arsenal were up there also. Arsenal were in latter stages of Champions league so i was disappointed but not surprised that they didn't start Henry. United dominated and scored twice Park and Rooney with two well worked goals. It was a super Sunday.

Later when we got back to hotel i proposed to Stella and she blubbered Yes.

The following day we hired a car and drove to Alton Towers (I fully recommend the great rides). When we were there we texted everyone in our phonebooks to let them in on the good news. Stella rang her Mother, Mary who was shocked for some reason....