Spurs star Keane weds in Dublin

Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane had an alternative big match as Euro 2008 kicked off - he married his long-term girlfriend in Dublin.

The Tottenham striker wed former Miss Ireland contestant Claudine Palmer at a Roman Catholic church in Ballybrack.

Guests included Spurs players Jonathan Woodgate and Jermaine Jenas, Manchester United's Michael Carrick amd Irish team-mates Damien Duff and Shay Given.

Keane missed out on Euro 2008 after the Irish team failed to qualify.

A small crowd turned out to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds as they emerged from the St Alphonsus and Columba's Church into the afternoon sunshine.

Miss Palmer, 25, a model and University College Dublin graduate, wore a white silk satin dress embroidered with crystals and an early 19th century tiara in the form of a wild rose.

The hour-long wedding Mass included music from Irish folk singer Mary Black and the Dublin Gospel Choir.

Miss Palmer and the 27-year-old Keane both grew up at opposite ends of Dublin and have been together for six years.