27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘A celebration for the ages' -Former Rose of Tralee winner marries her 2016 escort at stunning ceremony in Chicago
FORMER Rose of Tralee winner Maggie McEldowney has married her escort John Slowey.
The
series back in 2016 after her third attempt at applying for the show.
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John was Maggie's escort
Credit: Social media
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Maggie McEldowney was crowned the 2016 Rose of Tralee
Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
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John proposed to Maggie last year
Credit: Social media
At the time of the show, Maggie was dating Chicago Fire Service worker Jim FitzGibbon, who could not attend the festival due to work matters.
Instead, John stepped in and escorted the Irish lady on her big day - and the rest is history.
John
And after just 10 months being engaged, the pair have exchanged their vows for each other.
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The love birds got married last weekend on Saturday, May 24, in a beautiful ceremony in Hilton Chicago Oak Brook Hills Resort in Chicago.
They were surrounded by their loving family and friends, with many of them flying over from Ireland.
The 36-year-old looked out-of-this-world wearing a fitted Justin Alexander white wedding gown from Eva's Bridal International.
The fabulous sleeveless frock had a high neck with long train and delicate ruching in the front.
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She wore her luscious brunette locks in an elegant low bun and had a stylish veil over it.
While John looked dapper wearing a white tux jacket, a white shirt, a pair of black trousers, a black dickie bow and black shoes.
Rose of Tralee 2024 breaks silence
The newly weds' photographer, Joy, uploaded some heart-melting snaps of them posing at the hotel's stunning grounds.
Maggie and John looked more in love than ever as they gazed into each other's eyes and kissed.
And while the big day was in America, they made sure to have a few Irish touches. They flew out John's Parish priest to say mass.
The pair's friends were also said to play a few traditional tunes at the ceremony.
The photographer gave fans a glimpse of what the day went like as she gushed over Maggie and John's love.
Joy wrote: "I always say I have the sweetest couples — but Maggie and John, you two truly top the list. Kind, gracious, and full of heart… and if you don't believe me, just ask the 300 friends and family members who flew in from all over the world to celebrate their love.
"Every detail of the day was thoughtful and elegant, and let's be honest — they both looked like absolute royalty.
"But don't let the elegance fool you — these two know how to throw a party! That dance floor? Packed. And they tore it up. Thanks to some killer music from the live band.
"Thanks for letting me celebrate with you both!!! Congratulations again."
And friends and fans flooded the comment section with congratulations and compliments.
Megan wrote: "Absolutely gorgeous!! Congratulations Maggie and John, so happy for you guys!!!"
Elysha said: "So beautiful Maggie and John. Massive congratulations."
One follower commented: "It's was a celebration for the ages!! So much fun. The joy of your two families uniting was evident all night long. Congratulations you two. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness!"
Siobhan added: "Such BEAUTIFUL pictures!! So happy for you both. Comhgairdeas mór!!"
