THE numerous anecdotes told by Willie Daly, the last traditional matchmaker in Ireland, are as many as the pages in his grandfather’s famous book, which contains pages and details of romantic hopefuls, all tied up with a length of string.

“It’s a magic book, you know. If you touch it with one hand and close your eyes for seven, eight, 10 seconds, you’ll find love; touch it with both hands you’ll be in love and could be married within six months and if you’re already married for five or 50 years, touch it for 12, 15 seconds and you’ll restart your honeymoon all over again,” he predicted.