70 years of wedded bliss for Waterford's Tom and Evelyn Collins
Tom and Evelyn Collins recently marked an extraordinary milestone, their 70th wedding anniversary, with a joyful celebration at the Greenway Manor Hotel. They are pictured here with their sons, John and David, and their daughter Catherine. All Photos: Joe Evans
Tom and Evelyn Collins recently marked an extraordinary milestone — their 70th wedding anniversary — with a joyful celebration surrounded by family and friends at the Greenway Manor Hotel.
Evelyn (née Conway), of Rockenham, first met Tom Collins, from 30 Ard na Gréine, at the legendary Ballybricken Carnival. They were married in June 1955 at the Sacred Heart Church in Ferrybank, with Fr. Thomas Marnell CC officiating.
Evelyn’s sister, Rita Halligan, stood with her as bridesmaid, while Tom’s brother Jack served as best man. The bride was charmingly attired in an ice-blue grosgrain suit with pink accessories.
Their wedding reception took place in Dooley’s Hotel, with over 30 guests in attendance, and the happy couple honeymooned in Dublin and Cork. The bride wore an oatmeal coat, with accessories to tone.
In the early years of their marriage, they lived with family at 104 Rockenham before moving to a flat on Parliament Street. In 1959, they settled into their forever home in St. John’s Park, where they raised their three children — Catherine, David, and John — and made a lifetime of cherished memories among wonderful neighbours.
Tom worked for over three decades as a boilerman at Clover Meats until its closure in 1984, whilst the bride was, up to the time of her marriage, equally as popular in the same firm.
Tom is also a proud nephew of the renowned Collins brothers, who served in World War I.
Reflecting on their long and happy life together, Evelyn shared her simple but wise secret: “Live life day by day.”
