Vows and marriage

Sir, – Tim O’Brien (An Irishman’s Diary, November 6th) tells us that he married his nephew José to his childhood sweetheart …

Sir, – Tim O’Brien (An Irishman’s Diary, November 6th) tells us that he married his nephew José to his childhood sweetheart Gra, in a wedding ceremony in Spain. He tells us that it was a “humanist” wedding, and that the couple’s humanist inspired vows were treated with reverence by all present.

Non-religious ceremonies are becoming much more common, he tells us, and he concludes with “Aren’t young people great!” Their being great still leaves us with some questions around this ceremony.

For one thing Mr O’Brien tells us that he “married” the couple. He did not. Two people marry each other. Others can only witness to their act.

O’Brien also tells us that he pronounced them “José and Gra Lorenzo”. It seems that sexism is alive and well in Spain.

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Much achieved but much to be done. – Yours, etc,

DECLAN KELLY,

Whitechurch Road,

Rathfarnham,

Dublin 14.