Irish Celebrities Find Love Later in Life
Stars Prove It’s Never Too Late for Romance
The pursuit of a life partner often takes unexpected turns, and for several well-known Irish figures, true love blossomed after years of navigating life’s journey. These heartwarming stories demonstrate that finding companionship and happiness can happen at any age.
Chef Clodagh McKenna’s Fairytale Romance
Celebrity chef Clodagh McKenna experienced a relationship shift at age 40 when she and partner Peter Gaynor parted ways in 2016. A year later, she connected with millionaire horse racing professional Harry Herbert, who has ties to the British Royal Family. The couple met through mutual acquaintances in 2017 and quickly became inseparable.
Their beautiful union was celebrated in August 2021 with a fairytale wedding on the grounds of Highclere estate—the iconic setting for the television series Downton Abbey. Harry Herbert frequently expresses his affection for Clodagh on social media, calling her his ‘darling’ and ‘the love of his life.’
Clodagh described Harry as ‘one of the kindest people’ she has ever known, adding: “He’s so lovely and he makes me a better person. He’s made me the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. I’m so lucky.”
A Second Chance at Happiness
Dancing With The Stars judge Loraine Barry discovered love again at 49 in a chance encounter at an airport. After two previous marriages ended due to infidelity, she found a lasting connection with Peter, a British financier. Her first marriage to Andrew Sinkinson lasted four years, ending when she received a phone call revealing his affair. A subsequent 17-year relationship with Italian dancer Luca Baricchi, including ten years of marriage, also ended in heartbreak, marked by three miscarriages.
Loraine shared that, unlike her former partners, Peter works outside the dance world, providing her with “balance and peace.”
According to a 2023 study by the Pew Research Center, approximately 61% of U.S. adults who have ever been in a marriage or cohabiting relationship have remarried or moved in with a new partner after a breakup. Pew Research Center
Love After Loss
Former chief medical officer Tony Holohan recently celebrated his marriage to Ciara Cronin, following the passing of his wife, Dr. Emer Feely. The couple exchanged vows on June 6 at the National Maritime Museum in Dún Laoghaire. Ronan Holohan served as his father’s best man, while Ciara’s sister, Elaine, acted as her ‘best woman.’
Tony and Ciara began dating in 2023, two years after Emer’s death. Tony previously expressed: “When life gives you a second chance, you better grab it with both hands… and Ciara is my second chance.”
Unexpected Nuptials
Irish TV host Graham Norton surprised many by marrying Scottish filmmaker Jonathan ‘Jono’ McLeod in 2022, after six years of dating. The ceremony took place at Bantry House in West Cork, and guests—including Elton John and Adele—were invited to a party without knowing it was a wedding.
Graham shared that he never thought he would marry until he met Jono, stating: “Maybe [I didn’t get married] because I hadn’t met Jono yet. No, after a string of failed relationships – don’t Google them now – you appreciate it when it’s right, you treasure that [relationship], and don’t take it for granted.”
Finding Peace and Love
Businesswoman Sarah Newman found happiness with Lord Henry Digby, the Baron of Offaly, after a difficult period following her split from Kilkenny hurling legend DJ Carey and a subsequent bankruptcy. They have been living together in Lord Digby’s estate in Dorset, England, for several years and married in November 2024.
A Lasting Connection
RTÉ’s Mary Kennedy found love again at 64 with her partner, Tom, after a blind date set up by mutual friends in 2018. Previously married to Ronan Foster for 15 years, she described the relationship as “life-enhancing.”
Friends, like former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, have praised Tom as a “lovely person.”
These stories offer a hopeful message: love can be found at any stage of life, bringing joy and companionship to those who embrace the possibility of a second chance.
