Father Ted star pays tribute to his ‘beautiful and kind’ wife as he shares wedding snap (2024)

The Father Ted star said that he feels very lucky to have married the animal science graduate and photographer.

The couple announced their engagement in June 2023 after going official with their relationship in 2022.

“I got married today to the beautiful, wonderful @nerea.inked,” Joe wrote on Instagram.

"It’s been an incredible journey, meeting, falling love with and marrying the love of my life. She is such a genuinely kind soul. I’m so grateful she took a chance on me. I’m proud to call her my wife...#married.”

Nerea describes herself as a ‘book lover’ and ‘graveyard wanderer.’

The couple have posted numerous snaps online travelling around to European cities together and wearing stylish make-up.

Nerea went against tradition for her big day and instead of wearing a white dress she donned a black gown with a plunging front and draped sleeves.

Joe looked cool in his suit and purple tie beside his wife, who is a fan of tattoo art.

The comedian’s social media has been flooded with well wishers since the news of his marriage broke.

Joe is much loved in Ireland from his stint as rebellious priest Fr Damo in legendary TV show, Father Ted, starring Dermot Morgan, Ardal O’Hanlon, Pauline McGlynn and Frank Kelly which first aired in the mid 90s.

"Little did I know that all these years later Father Ted is still the biggest influence on my professional life," Rooney told the Sunday World previously.

The newly hitched comedian spoke about the enormous impact the evergreen show has had on his career.

"I do a Father Ted quiz with stand up. I've done gigs for Google and Linkedin performing for people who are all over the world.

"There was an Irish guy in Philadelphia who had a Father Ted themed birthday party and I did that. Father Damo does the most business for me, even though he was in was just one episode of Father Ted.

"He was a one off character that stood out; a young priest who wore an earring, smoked, stole and told his superiors 'you're not the boss of me.' People still come up to me and quote him, asking, 'Who do you prefer, Oasis or Blur?' I am Father Damo to most people and that's fine by me.

"I was six years in Killinaskully with Pat Shortt; I was in Red Rock on TV3 and I've done stand up all over the world, but it's still all about Father Damo. But he's a character that I really liked, so I don't mind being associated with him.

"You don't often get the chance to pick and choose the parts that you play. You could easily be known for something that you hate."

Rooney thought that Father Ted writers Arthur Mathews and Graham Linehan created the Father Damo character for him.

Back in the '80s, Rooney was the lead singer in "a New Order-type band" called Guernica, who released three singles.

"Graham Linehan interviewed the band for Hot Press, so I got to know him then," Joe said. "Then I was going over to England to do the odd gig and he said, 'Listen, if you're over in London you can stay with us.' They hadn't done Father Ted at this stage.

"I was staying with them and used to watch a lot of Seinfeld. They told me they were writing what turned out to be Father Ted. Later I had to watch it with them, and thank God it was really good. I was in the audience for one of the early episodes.

"I was asked specifically by Graham and Arthur to audition for Father Damo. I kind of think they may have had me in mind, but I know other people auditioned for that part as well.

"They were very good at casting roles. They did the same for a few comedians like Patrick McDonnell (Father Eoin McLove) and Michael Redmond (Father Stone). They maybe saw them doing stand up and kind of wrote with them in mind. I think they did that a few times. Father Ted really was amazing, so I was delighted to get a part in it,” Joe added.