'I'm the luckiest man alive'

A Rochfortbridge native living in China considers himself to be luckiest man alive following his marriage last week.

Noel Meehan from Derrygreenagh Park, Rochfortbridge was married to Ms Hilda Zhang Han Dan on February 2, and though none of their family or friends could attend due to pandemic restrictions, they had a wonderful day.

Noel has told us about the big day:

“What can I say about some of the happiest days of my life?!

“We got married on the 02/02/21, and here in China, things are done differently compared to at home – our wedding photos were taken two months prior to signing our official wedding papers, for example.

“With Covid restrictions being very tight here, we could not have any family, friends or colleagues attend our ceremony, and nor could we celebrate with anyone afterwards.

“We are looking forward to celebrating with Hilda’s family and everyone here when restrictions lift and it’s safe. We’re looking forward to travelling back home to Ireland to celebrate with all my family and friends – unfortunately it won’t be this year but hopefully next year."

“Having said all that, I couldn’t be any happier!

“I’m still pinching myself thinking about the moment I looked around to see the most beautiful woman, the one who stole my heart a few years ago, walk towards me in her wedding dress.

“I couldn’t help but feel like the proudest, luckiest man alive, and I will never forget that feeling.

“When we signed the official papers, I couldn’t help but keep smiling – from this day forward I can call Hilda my wife and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with her.”

All Noel’s family and friends in Westmeath and beyond would like to wish Noel and Hilda congratulations and best wishes on their future together.

They look forward to celebrating with them both when Covid restrictions allow and they can travel back to home to see us again.

Noel and Hilda live in the Tianhe District, Guangzhou (Hilda’s home address is Lufeng, Shanwei, Guangdong).

Hilda is a parent relationship officer at Yew Wah International Education School and Noel is head of international teachers of kindergarten/primary level at Guangzhou Huamei International School.