It can be tough to organise a wedding when hurling or football commitments come into play, especially when you’re lining out for both club and county. However, Waterford hurler Kieran Bennett and Rachel Griffen managed to get everything in place for their special day.

Making his senior debut for Waterford in 2017 against Cork in the All-Ireland semi-final, the half-back has decided to depart from the panel in September 2026.

However, this month it was all about their big day, and amongst the friends and family, there were also a few familiar sporting faces in the mix.

The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Sean Sharpe Photography
The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Sean Sharpe Photography

The ceremony took place at the breathtaking St Colman’s Cathedral that stands on a prominent hill at Cathedral Place looking out over Cork Harbour.

Guests were then brought to the historic 18th-century country house and four-star hotel, Vienna Woods, which sits on 22 acres of woodland within the scenic Glanmire Valley and beside the Glashaboy River and Estuary, so as you can imagine, it was perfect for photographs.

Partying well into the night, the newlyweds and those attending tore up the dance floor.

The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Days, Minutes, Moments ~Julia Kennedy
The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Days, Minutes, Moments ~Julia Kennedy

Standing by Kieran’s side were his two brothers, Waterford’s Stephen and Shane, who also play for Waterford.

Other faces among the crowd included Waterford’s Jamie Barron, Billy Nolan, Tadhg De Burke, Jack Prendergast, and Clare’s Peter Duggan.

The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Days, Minutes, Moments ~Julia Kennedy
The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Days, Minutes, Moments ~Julia Kennedy

Rachel’s dress was from AL Bridal Couture in Dundrum, Dublin, and was a bespoke dress, with a custom-made veil.

The dress is an elegant, strapless gown with a timeless silhouette. It features a bandeau neckline with a smooth, fitted bodice that defines the waist… stunning!

The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Days, Minutes, Moments ~Julia Kennedy
The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Days, Minutes, Moments ~Julia Kennedy

Rachel went for an elegant champagne colour for bridesmaids, which included her identical twin sister Aimee and three of her best friends.

After meeting in college in 2016, Kieran went all out when it came to proposing, getting down on one knee in Santorini in July 2024.

The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Sean Sharpe Photography
The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Sean Sharpe Photography

And the couple pulled out all the stops for their big day with a fun day two in Dungarvan.

Congratulations, Kieran and Rachel

See more photos below:

The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Sean Sharpe Photography
The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Sean Sharpe Photography
The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Sean Sharpe Photography
The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Sean Sharpe Photography
The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Days, Minutes, Moments ~Julia Kennedy
The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Days, Minutes, Moments ~Julia Kennedy
The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Sean Sharpe Photography
The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Sean Sharpe Photography
The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Sean Sharpe Photography
The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Sean Sharpe Photography
The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Sean Sharpe Photography
The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Sean Sharpe Photography
The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Sean Sharpe Photography
The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Sean Sharpe Photography
The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Sean Sharpe Photography
The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Sean Sharpe Photography
The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Sean Sharpe Photography
The wedding of Kieran Bennett and Rachel. Pic: Sean Sharpe Photography