Two marriage proposals during family reunion in west Mayo

Cupid's arrow struck twice on the shores of Clew Bay as members of the McManamon family from around the globe gathered in their native Mulranny for a reunion.

Not one but two members of the family got engaged during the trip home, with one proposal on the old family homestead and the other on Croagh Patrick.

The newly engaged couples are Tom Kwiatkowski and Sierra Fisher, from Austin, Texas, and Sierra's cousin Columb Thompson, who resides in the UK, who proposed to fiancé Meg Evans.

Since 1990, the McManamons have held a reunion every five years and back on track after the pandemic, this event brought together family from the US, Australia, UK, Thailand and Ireland, as well as locally in Mulranny. The biggest event of the gathering was attended by 140 people.

The Connaught Telegraph spoke with Sierra and Tom towards the end of their trip.

Sierra has been a regular visitor to Ireland while Tom has had 'an absolute blast' on this his first visit.

Sierra's grandfather on her mother's side was McManamon and he emigrated to the US, settling in Chicago.

On getting engaged, Tom said: "I had planned to propose when we were here for the family reunion but I wasn't sure when.

"One event was planting trees on the family land and afterwards we walked up a hill overlooking the bay. It was stunning.

"Sierra's siblings were all around us and I got down on one knee and proposed, and she said yes."

Sierra's cousin Columb climbed a higher hill on the other side of the bay for his proposal, popping the question on Croagh Patrick.

The family have enjoyed an active week, which included trips to Achill, a hike in Ballycroy, beach barbecue, a ceili and bike ride on the greenway.

Tom reflected on the reunion and engagement: "It has been a very special time."