A Hong Kong couple marry while sales of flowers and jewellery are strong on Valentine's Day.
Valentine's Day was extra special for couple Michael and Leona who celebrated their second of three marriages this week. The couple from Hong Kong met in Dublin as students today took their vows at the registry office. They had already had a Chinese ceremony earlier in the week and had plans for a third Church of Ireland ceremony later in the week.
While not everyone was celebrating Saint Valentine’s Day in such style, romance was evident on the streets of Dublin with flower sellers reporting a roaring trade. Jewellers also reported an increase in trade with many couples deciding to get engaged on Valentine’s Day. 1996 is also a leap year, traditionally when women propose to men.
The shrine of Saint Valentine which lies in Whitefriar Street Church also attracts visitors on the day.
The swans were also out in force on the canal in search for a mate. Tradition says that birds start to mate as spring approaches.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 14 February 1996. The reporter is Gareth O’Connor.
