Andrea leaves Brett Breathless; SHOWBIZ WEDDING OF YEAR STARS OF MUSIC & SPORT TURN OUT FOR CORRS GIRL'S BIG DAY.

Byline: YVONNE KINSELLA

IRELAND'S rich and famous gathered yesterday to see blushing bride Andrea Corr tie the knot.

Rain clouds parted to let the sun's rays shine down just in time for the 35-yearold singer to say "I do" to Brett Desmond.

Thousands of people gathered in the West Clare village of Miltown Malbay from early in the day in anticipation of seeing the stunning Corr sisters and their famous pals - and they weren't disappointed.

In keeping with tradition Andrea kept her groom, the son of billionaire financier Dermot Desmond, waiting for just a while - arriving at 3pm for the 2.30pm ceremony. She looked effortlessly elegant in an strapless, ivory Vera Wang gown and the crowds cheered as she stepped out of the car with sisters Sharon and Caroline whose flowing silver grey bridesmaid dresses comple-mented the bride's.

Waiting fans had also shown their appreciation as Bono and his wife Ali Hewson drove into the church grounds of St Joseph's in a silver Maserati.

The couple, who celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary only days ago, posed for photos and waved to the cheering crowds before entering the church for the ceremony performed by friend of the family Fr Malachy Murphy. Soccer star and manager Gordon Strachan and his wife arrived in one of the many buses ferrying people from the luxury Doonbeg Golf Hotel which has been closed to the public since Thursday.

Patrick Kielty and a tall brunette arrived shortly after alongside Martin O'Neill and his wife, RTE's Pamela Flood attended with her partner as did entrepreneur Denis O'Brien, golf legend Padraig Harrington and his wife Caroline, multi-millionaire John Magnier, tycoon JP McManus, Bono's pal Guggi and musician Gavin Friday.

Nightclub boss and long-time friend of the Corrs, Robbie Fox, businessman Denis Desmond and his wife Caroline and DJ Tony Fenton all arrived in style.

Coaches started transporting people from Shannon airport from early on Thursday to the wedding venue and tight security measures were put in place as cars were stopped and security guards on walkie-talkies combed the area for possible trespassers. And guests were identified by badges.

A number of marquees, erected on Wednesday to accommodate the 250 guests, were positioned to look on to the water's edge as the Atlantic hits the shoreline.

They were tastefully decorated with the same blue and cream hydrangeas, delphiniums and cream roses as adorned St Joseph's at a cost of more than pounds 100,000.

Florist Mary Mulqueen said: "We have been sworn to secrecy for weeks. And we have spent weeks getting it all ready. The hotel is dressed in the same flowers as the church. It's lovely."

Earlier in the day organ-iserhanded out water and snacks to waiting journalists and photographers as they stood in the rain awaiting the star guests.

Margaret Moone, originally from Co Clare but now living in the US, said: "She looked amazing. I wouldn't have missed it for the world."

CAPTION(S):

BRIDE & JOY Andrea and Brett outside church in Co Clare yesterday FAMILY AFFAIR Andrea and new hubby Brett with wedding party SMILES Big brother Jim arrives at St Joseph's AISLE BE THERE Crowds gather in Miltown Malbay A KISS FROM BIG SIS Bridesmaid Sharon welcomes Andrea DOUBLE ACT Sisters Sharon and Caroline IRRESISTIBLE Radiant bride arrives OFF TO A TEE Padraig & Caroline Harrington HAVING A BALL Martin & Geradline O'Neill BE MY GUEST Tycoon JP McManus BEAUTIFUL DAY Bono and wife Ali RAISING A SMILE Patrick Kielty PITCH PERFECT Gordon Strachan IRRESISTIBLE Radiant bride arrives