With apologies for stepping into the domain of Alison Kilpatrick who has amused us over a long period of time with her pithy clippings, I came across the following piece which was published in THE TIMES of the 4th March, 1843, under its 'Ireland News' column and felt that I would like to share it with listers - if it has not already appeared in the groups. John 'EXTRAORDINARY MARRIAGE: - The following has been communicated to us by a highly respected gentleman, and we shall not make further comment on it, than to say, that the facts are anything but creditable (to say the least) to the parties copncerned:- On Wedenesday last the daughter of a comfortable farmer living in the vicinity of Barne[?] was to have been married to a young man to whom she had been engaged, and everything was arranged for the interesting event. However, the fickle fair one changed her mind, and on the morning appointed for the wedding she eloped with her father's servant boy, who, it appears, had more favour in her sight. For some time all was consternation and surprise, but after a little reflection, the father and the disappointed bridegroom determined that a wedding there should be by hook or crook, and it was not long before they selected the granddaughter of the former, a child under 12 years of age! The only thing now necessary for the consummation of the marriage was the presence of his Reverence, but soon that obstacle was removed, and he made his appearance in all due form; his "fist was greased" with a 10l.[£10] note, and the little girl became a bride. The bridegroom gave the farmer 50l[£50], to live with him, and thus terminated an event which has caused feelings of general disgust among the respectable classes in the neighbourhood. We have since learned that the poor child has been sent to a school at some distance from the locality where this strange scene occurred.'