60 years together: love at first dance for Hugh and Kathleen

It was very much love at first dance for a diamond couple from Aghadowey who are still in step after sixty years of marriage.
Hugh and Kathleen Barr from Aghadowey pictured celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary with family and friends at the Lodge Hotel on Saturday. INCR8-354PLHugh and Kathleen Barr from Aghadowey pictured celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary with family and friends at the Lodge Hotel on Saturday. INCR8-354PL
Hugh and Kathleen Barr from Aghadowey pictured celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary with family and friends at the Lodge Hotel on Saturday. INCR8-354PL

Hugh Barr and Kathleen Morrow were introduced at a house party organised to bid farewell to a friend leaving the area.

They did much of their courting at dances organised by various young farmers clubs, where Hugh would, sometimes reluctantly, be led to the dance floor.

Three years after first meeting, they married in Killaig Presbyterian Church on a snowy February 23 day in 1955.

The happy couple celebrated their 60th anniversary with a meal in the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine, where they were joined by over a hundred guests including family and friends. They were also delighted to receive a telegram from the Queen.

The couple are well known in the Aghadowey area, having lived all their married life on the farm in the townland of Curragh. Both are committed Christians and members of Ballylaggan Reformed Presbyterian Church, where they worship and have filled a number of offices.

The couple still play for Ballylaggan Bowling Club in the Bannside League.

Kathleen is an active member of Aghadowey Women’s Institute and has serves as president of the Lower Bann area. Having celebrated his 89th birthday on the day of his wedding anniversary.

The wonderful couple have seven children - John, Jane, Barrie, Sam, Liz, Glad and Kaye, along with seven grandchildren and a great grandson.

Related topics: