Hobbs, best known for his thrifty counsel on TV's Rip-Off Republic, has been advising Dolores since she scooped €115 million three years ago, a windfall which made the down-to-earth Limerick mother-of-six Ireland's 72nd richest person overnight.

But no expense was spared at Castleconnell on Saturday as Gary wedded his long-term partner Michelle, who is from Limerick City and whose maiden name is also McNamara.

Two teams of up to 30 security personnel, all wearing earpieces, were hired to keep the family safe from unwanted attention at the church and at the reception at the Ballykisteen Hotel in County Tipperary. Some of the press pack had been thrown off the scent by the fact a wedding reception under the name of McNamara had been booked for the Castle Oaks Hotel, Castleconnell, on Friday. By coincidence, the mother of the bride for that wedding was also named Dolores McNamara.

The bride, in a stunning silk dress, diamonds and floor-length veil, arrived 40 minutes late for the ceremony but eventually made it up the aisle to say "I do" for richer or poorer. The happy couple have recently moved into a €1 million pile in the Limerick village.

"She's absolutely gorgeous," said one of around 20 locals who gathered outside the church for what she described, tongue-in-cheek, as "Castleconnell's celebrity wedding of the year".

Dolores arrived with the groom's party in a silver Chrysler stretch limousine. Only the groom's silver suit was shinier.

Dolores herself was wearing an elegant silk leopardskin print dress, a brown wrap and gold sandals. Gary and Michelle's eight-year-old daughter Nicole was bridesmaid on the day. Around 200 guests were invited to Saturday's celebrations.

For more see Monday's Limerick Leader tabloid edition.