ALAN Cadogan and partner Maeve Dooley threw in Christmas week by getting married on December 20 at Castlemartyr Resort, Cork.
Afterwards, the former Cork dual star happily reflected on what was a magical day that they’ll cherish forever more.
He told EVOKE: “We had a black tie wedding in Castlemartyr Resort.
“We kept our wedding as small as we could as we wanted all our close family, friends and people who have played a significant role in our lives.
“That was a big thing for us.
“Our whole day was like a fairytale from the wedding ceremony to the beautiful grounds of Castlemartyr Resort.
“We couldn’t have dreamt of having a better day surrounded by people we love.”
Among the guestlist were former teammates and current inter-county aces Seamus Harnedy, Conor Lehane, Shane Kingston and Patrick Horgan.
His ex-manager Kieran Kingston was also in attendance at the picturesque ceremony in Maeve’s local church in Rathcormac.
While it looked to be a wedding with all of the traditional hallmarks, the origin of their romance is very much a modern one as they shared that they’d first met through dating app Tinder.
The Douglas forward, 31, called time on his inter-county career in October 2023.
In his time in red, he won two Munster SHC titles after first being handed his debut by Jimmy Barry-Murphy in 2014.
The three-time All-Star nominee also came off the bench for the Rebels in the 2021 All-Ireland final defeat to Limerick.
Hindered by injuries for much of his career, Cadogan made his final appearance for Cork in a National League draw against Clare at Cusack Park in March of 2023.
At the time he thanked Maeve and the rest of his loved ones for supporting him throughout his busy sporting career at the highest level as he juggled Gaelic football and hurling.
He noted: “Upon reflection I have decided that the time is right for me to retire from senior inter-county hurling.
“From a young age and seeing the Cork teams of the past, my dream was always to represent Cork at the highest level and I was privileged to do so in both codes from minor, to U21 and at senior inter-county hurling for the past 10 years.
“Firstly, I would like to thank my parents James & Eileen for the person you have made me today.
“You have been there with me every step of this journey and you have been my greatest influence & inspiration.
“Everyday I stepped foot on a GAA pitch, all I ever wanted to do was to repay you for your love and support you showed me through the highs and lows.
“To my siblings Eoin, Ann-Marie and Claire, I thank you for your support, guidance and reassurance throughout the years.
“I will be forever grateful to you all.
“To my fiancee Maeve, thank you for your support, love and patience throughout my journey.
“I am grateful for the sacrifices you have made to allow me fulfil my dream and I am glad to have shared this journey with you.”