liz kavanagh hospice — Liz Kavanagh and Kieran O’Malley said ‘I do’ on Friday, March 27 (ET) in Galway, just days after she was moved into hospice care following the progression of her colon cancer. The couple fast-tracked a civil ceremony and a reception at the same venue where they celebrated their engagement, turning a bleak week into a day of family and friends. The wedding was organised in an hour and was described by those close to them as a ‘full-circle’ celebration.
Details of the day and the hospice move
The move to Galway Hospice followed news that Liz’s colon cancer, first diagnosed in October 2024, had spread and that curative surgery was no longer possible. In messages she shared on social media, Liz said she had been in hospital for nearly six weeks, travelled to Dublin for surgery to try to relieve swelling and that treatment was no longer working; care was focused on comfort and pain relief. She said she moved to Galway Hospice on Tuesday (ET) and that the team there was giving her TPN at night because she could not eat normal food.
Kieran O’Malley acted quickly to pull the day together after the couple decided to marry. He arranged a celebrant, flowers, decorations and entertainment within an hour, relying on his hospitality background and help from friends. The ceremony was civil, followed by a reception at HYDE Bar — the place where they had marked their engagement — and about 80 guests attended.
Liz Kavanagh Hospice: reactions from family and friends
“Today we officially tied the knot and are now Mr & Mrs O’Malley. We had a great day surrounded by family and friends and it was all that we could have asked for, ” said Kieran O’Malley, husband. He described the outpouring of help around them, including friends organising flowers and a tailor who fitted Liz’s gown at the hospice the day before the wedding.
Liz had described the clinical situation in her own words: she explained that the cancer had spread too far for surgery, that medications were no longer effective and that she needed to be kept comfortable while trying to live as many good days as possible. She said she hoped to return home for a few hours if she felt strong enough, but that she would ultimately be sleeping in the hospice to receive necessary nutrition support.
Jennifer Wrynne, friend and cancer survivor, said: “What a magical day celebrating two of my favourite people — Liz & Kieran. So special from start to finish. ” Alan Clarke, comedian, said he was “filled with pride” watching the couple. A friend, Colin Fahy, provided singing at the reception, and an event planner named Fiona handled decorations.
Context and what comes next
The couple became engaged in October 2025 and chose to bring forward their wedding when Liz’s condition changed. The dress was sourced quickly with help from friends and a supplier, and a tailor visited Galway Hospice to fit it so Liz could wear it for the ceremony. The decision to marry was framed by the pair as a choice to create something beautiful amid difficult news.
Looking ahead, the immediate focus remains on comfort and family time. Medical treatment options were described as exhausted in Liz’s own update, and care at Galway Hospice is centred on symptom relief and quality of life. Supporters have continued practical help for the couple while they spend time together following the wedding, and friends and family are expected to remain closely involved in coming days.
liz kavanagh hospice was the setting for both the transition in care and the celebration of the couple’s vows, and that dual role is likely to shape how their family and community mark the weeks ahead (all dates referenced in Eastern Time).
