Tinryland couple celebrate golden wedding anniversary
Liam and Maura Foster on their wedding day, 7 August, 50 years ago
A TINRYLAND couple who met at a dance in New Ross over five decades ago are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary this week, with their three children planning a special getaway in lieu of a traditional party.
Maura (née O’Shea) and Liam Foster’s love story began in the early 1970s at a dance in New Ross, Co Wexford, where the Tipperary native met the Tinryland man. After a whirlwind courtship, Liam proposed to Maura in January 1975 at a dance in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin and the couple wed on 7 August that year.
Their wedding took place in St Patrick’s Church in Faugheen, Co Tipperary, with the reception held in the Newpark Hotel, Co Kilkenny. In a poignant moment that would define their relationship’s foundation of mutual support, there was no music at their wedding reception as a mark of respect to Maura’s father, who had passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, being laid to rest just a day before the ceremony.
Despite the sombre circumstances, the newlyweds embarked on their honeymoon to Greece, beginning what would become a lifelong passion for travel that has since taken them to countries ranging from America to Australia.
The year 1975 proved memorable for Liam in another way – he captained Tinryland GAA Club to the championship, a testament to his deep community roots in Carlow.
Today, Maura, a retired teacher, keeps active by attending Zumba classes and meeting friends for coffee, while Liam continues his work as a farmer and enjoys a weekly round of golf. The couple regularly escape to Lanzarote, where they have built a vibrant social life over the years.
The Fosters have three children, Deirdre and Niamh, both based in Carlow, and Brian, who lives in Brisbane, Australia. Their family has grown to include seven grandchildren ranging in age from three to 16 years.
“They are the backbone of our family and we couldn't ask for better parents,” said daughter Deirdre, speaking on behalf of her siblings. “They have shown us what true love, teamwork and commitment looks like in a marriage. We wish them a happy 50th wedding anniversary and hope for many more to come.”
Rather than hosting a traditional anniversary celebration, the Foster children have arranged a holiday for their parents, with trips planned to the Westbury Hotel in Dublin and a special journey to Australia to visit their son Brian.
