Diamond wedding anniversary: Enniskillen couple delighted to celebrate with family

Agnes, who was originally from Dromore, Co. Down, met Enniskillen local Kenneth while they were both attending a Killadeas Camp meeting at the Lough Erne Yacht Club in 1958.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter, Agnes explained how she got talking to her future husband all those years ago.

"This lady introduced me to him. I didn't know what to do so I asked [someone for advice]. I said, 'that lad wants my address, what do I do?' and they said, 'give it to him'," she said with a laugh: "I was in my late teens."

The relationship grew from there and the couple were married four years later on August 8, 1962 in Banbridge Road Presbyterian Church by the Reverend Copes.

Agnes and Kenneth McFarland on their wedding day.

Marking 60 years of marriage, the Enniskillen couple celebrated the special milestone with two family events, firstly with Agnes' side of the family where they enjoyed afternoon tea at Spelga Lodge in the heart of the Mourne Mountains on the outskirts of Newcastle, Co. Down on August 6.

"My brother came home from New Zealand and his wife, and their daughter from Australia. We had aunts, uncles and cousins and all at that as well," said Agnes, who was delighted to celebrate with family.

On August 8, the actual day of their Diamond Wedding Anniversary, Agnes and Kenneth were joined by Kenneth's side of the family for dinner at the Killyhevlin Hotel in Enniskillen.

"It was a beautiful meal, it was absolutely delicious. The room was very comfortable and the staff were excellent. It was a great evening and everybody enjoyed it.

"They did us proud, I must say," said Agnes.

The highlight of the celebrations was a card from Her Majesty The Queen, which Agnes described as an "amazing surprise" and that they were "privileged and honoured" to receive it.

Agnes and Kenneth McFarland recently celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary and were delighted to receive a card from The Queen.

"It means the world to me to receive that. I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would get a card from The Queen on my 60th wedding anniversary. I never thought I'd see my 60th wedding anniversary, never mind get a card from The Queen.

"I feel privileged and honoured to get the card, especially in the circumstances now," she said.

When asked what she would say is the secret to a long and happy marriage, Agnes responded: "You have to give and take a bit in a marriage. I think you have to try to be nice to each other and kind.

"Life does throw different things at you, I think you need to help each other too and be there for each other.

"And don't let grudges build up because that's no good," she told this newspaper.