Golfer McIlroy marrying sweetheart Erica Stoll amid tight security

Security is tight at the 13th century castle where the golfing star and his sweetheart are due to tie the knot.

Sunday 23 April 2017 13:32, UK

Erica Stoll and Rory McIlroy of Europe attend the 2016 Ryder Cup Opening Ceremony at Hazeltine National Golf Club on September 29, 2016 in Chaska, Minnesota
Image: Erica Stoll and Rory McIlroy seen at the 2016 Ryder Cup Opening Ceremony
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Golf star Rory McIlroy was expected to marry his sweetheart Erica Stoll in an Irish castle on Saturday.

Security was tight as helicopters and blacked out cars brought guests to the ceremony at Ashford Castle in Co Mayo, Republic of Ireland.

A steady stream of locals who wandered up to the gates were kept at bay by guards.

The four-time major winner's representatives said his wedding was private and anti-drone experts were even brought in alongside boat-based security teams to patrol the waters of Lough Corrib.

Security outside Ashford Castle in Co Mayo, where Golf star Rory McIlroy is to marry Erica Stoll
Image: Security was tight outside Ashford Castle in Co Mayo

Celebrations include a fireworks display and musical entertainment from Stevie Wonder, who created a buzz in the city of Galway when he popped into a few shops on Friday, according to reports.

The guest list is said to include One Direction singer Niall Horan, recent US Masters winner Sergio Garcia and Ryder Cup players Martin Kaymer and Paul McGinley, racehorse owner JP McManus and possibly singer Ed Sheeran.

McIlroy, 27, is from Holywood in Co Down in Northern Ireland and met New Yorker Ms Stoll, 29, when she worked for the US PGA and was living in Florida.

The 350-acre Ashford Castle estate can be rented for around £84,000 a day at this time of year and has already been in use by the wedding team for several days.