January 2003, I had been dating my girlfriend Claire Williams for just under two years. Although I had known for quite a while she was the right girl for me I now decided to take the plunge and ask for her hand in marriage. The big question was Where?

While I was trying to decide where to pop the question my brother invited us to spend a weekend in his holiday home in Portsalon, Donegal. I knew immediately that this was the perfect location. Better yet would be the Fanad Lighthouse where my grandfather Michael Boyle was Principal Keeper from 1951 to 1965, and where my mother Aine Boyle, and my uncles and aunts grew up.

I looked up Irish Lights on the Web. I was not very hopeful but sent an e-mail and crossed my fingers.

Within the day I had a reply stating that as a consequence of lighthouse automation the Commissioners were no longer able normally to admit visitors to their lighthouses. However due to my connection with the Service it might be possible to arrange a visit. Chancing my luck I responded explaining that I was hoping to propose to Claire and pleading my case. Thankfully the Inspectors' staff were very understanding and gave approval provided the Attendant of the lighthouse was available.

All was arranged and we landed in Derry the evening of Friday 7 February. Next morning we got up late and went for a walk along the beach. To throw Claire off the scent my brother and his girlfriend Sandra came with us to the lighthouse but were to disappear when I gave the signal.

Donal, the Attendant, showed us up the lighthouse tower. As it was a nice day he allowed us to go out on the balcony. It was a fabulous setting. Moments later David and Sandra mysteriously disappeared with Donal. Still the penny didn't drop for Claire. I walked around to the sea side of the lighthouse looking towards Malin Head, took out the ring, went down on one knee and called to Claire. She approached me and I could see her surprise in her eyes, but before she could say anything I said 'Claire Danielle Williams, will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?'

A moment's shocked silence, followed by the question 'are you serious?' and she said 'Yes'. I was ecstatic but so nervous I took off the wrong glove. We both laughed and enjoyed our first kiss as an engaged couple.

We came down from the tower, thanked Donal and went to the Lighthouse Bar to steady our nerves with a pint of Guinness. We called our parents and friends to share the good news and to our surprise several couples from Dublin drove up to Donegal and arrived at 11 o'clock to join in the celebrations that went on till the wee hours of the morning.

I must take this opportunity to thank Irish Lights and the Lighthouse Attendant Donal Coyle for making a special day in our lives very memorable.