The annual summer garden party, held recently in St. Johns Community Hospital in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford had a novel theme this year.
With the residential care centre ‘en fête’ for the sunny afternoon in question, there had been much excitement in the lead-up among residents, their families and staff – as this year’s event was wedding themed!
The opportunity was also taken to celebrate diversity and appreciation of cultures on the day, with a group of St. Johns Community Hospital (SJCH) staff members performing Indian dance in traditional costume.
The wedding recreation involved was that of Bonnie and Clyde! Helena Keogh of the SJCH Housekeeping staff played the part of the bride, with Luanne Williams of the SJCH Activities team acting as groom.
Other key players on the day included Marie Clancy (a SJCH Rehab patient), bridesmaids Lucy Doyle(Reception) and Martina Cloke (Housekeeping), Karen Breen of HR as groomsman and Kelsie Rellis (granddaughter of patient) as flower girl.
Speaking about the occasion Nurse Activities Co-ordinator at St. John’s Community Hospital Mary Fox said:
“An incredible level of detail went into this wedding! Residents and staff were well turned out for the day. Make-up and lipstick were applied and fascinators and dickie bows were in evidence! Speeches were written and rewritten, flowers were delivered from staff members’ gardens and wedding arches were created. Our ‘celebrant’, dressed as a priest and ‘married’ the Bonnie and Clyde in hilarious fashion in front of the congregation made up of approximately 100 residents, family members and staff.”
“The St. Johns Community Hospital kitchen team provided fabulous food and the wedding cake. Enniscorthy Men’s Shed sponsored a sweet cart for the event and local charity shops gave us glamourous hats and dickie bows. Music was provided by local musicians Sinéad Doyle and Richie Healy. The wedding celebration welcomed cultural expression through our staff members from the Indian community providing impressive dance and music, adding great colour to the day.”
Ursula McPhillips (Director of Nursing, St. Johns Community Hospital) added:
“There was great excitement ahead of this year’s annual summer garden party! Residents and patients were very involved in preparations, such as crafting decorations and confetti and arranging flowers. It was also a chance for many of them to reminisce about their own wedding days. We heard some funny wedding stories as part of all of that too! Families brought in beautiful wedding pictures and we were delighted that residents/patients and family members took on ceremonial roles of celebrant, flower girl and ‘father of the bride’, whilst staff slipped into the roles of bride, groom, bridesmaids and groomsmen in our ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ style wedding.”
“We were thrilled that our wards, families, kitchen, HSE staff and our Community Employment Scheme colleagues, the local community and culture featured in what was a beautiful day in every sense. It energised all in St. Johns Community Hospital, creating a joyful, meaningful experience that strengthened resident and staff connections, enhanced community bonds and cultural appreciation, while promoting well-being… and lots of fun!”
Last updated on: 17 / 07 / 2025
