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12-06-02 news
Crowds leave Sir Paul for Mick's Lads...

The crowds left the front of the Irish Castle Sir Paul McCartney was getting married in yesterday only hours before the rings were exchanged due to Ireland's win in the world cup.

The first wave of guests heading for the wedding flew into Northern Ireland yesterday. Around 90 relatives and friends of Sir Paul flew into Belfast International Airport on a chartered BAE 146 from Liverpool.

They were met on the airport apron by a fleet of coaches and limousines which carried them across the border to Castle Leslie. A second larger plane carrying superstar guests was due to arrive from Heathrow by midday yesterday.

Their convoy was due to be escorted to the border by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr was flying to Belfast in his own private jet, said airport authorities.

Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills brightened up a wet and dreary Ireland as they prepared to marry at the remote countryside castle yesterday.

But, as soon as the Ireland game started at 12.30 the crowds of press and fans left the castle to watch the match. When Ireland won just after 2pm few returned to the wedding.

Rain clouds gathered above Castle Leslie in County Monaghan as the couple awoke in different parts of the 17th Century building to face the big day.

More than 300 friends and family arrived at Belfast and Dublin airports before being taken by car and bus to the 1,000-acre hideaway in the tiny village of Glaslough.

Sir Paul and Heather were planning to beat the rain by walking from the castle through specially-constructed covered tunnel to the altar where they were exchanging nuptials in a Church of Ireland ceremony conducted by a local priest.

Sir Paul McCartney's brother Mike was best man.

The couple posed briefly outside the castle gates on Monday and vowed that the bad weather would not spoil their big day.

Both told of their nerves and excitement as they prepared to wed. Sir Paul said: "We would just like to thank all the people who have wished us good wishes and who have written to us."

Asked if he was nervous about the big day Sir Paul replied: "Just a bit." Ms Mills added: "We are excited."

But despite the huge expense there was to be no star-studded party. Sir Paul and Ms Mills turned down a 1.5 million offer for the rights to the wedding photos from Hello! magazine.

Sir Paul said: "We are going to have family and friends and a lot of fun. There will be about 10 people you have heard of."

The former Beatle, whose mother was originally from Monaghan, added: "We are not going to worry about the rain, we are going to have a good time."

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