Dungannon teens fly helicopter to school formal

WOW! What an entrance 🚁

Author: Emma DicksonPublished 11th Jul 2022
Last updated 11th Jul 2022

We've seen limousines, tractors, horse and carts and bikes rocking up to school formals, but never something quite this glamorous before.

Dungannon's Ethan Sherry, 19 wanted to make sure his girlfriend Shannon Convie from Maghery arrived in style to the St Catherine’s College formal at Westerna Hotel, Monaghan.

But where did this idea come from?

Ethan is actually a fixed wing pilot, he's one of the youngest people in Northern Ireland.

Speaking to Cool FM & Downtown Radio, Ethan said: "I’m very lucky to be able to source something like this! Shannon also has an interest in flying so she was 100% up for the idea!"

With everyone meeting at Armagh Rugby Club before heading to Monaghan, it was the perfect opportunity to surprise their family and friends.

Posing for photos next to the helicopter before take off, Ethan could tell by the smile on Shannon's face this was going to be a special moment together.

"Shannon absolutely loved it! She loves flying with me, this was her first time in a helicopter so it was a little different. I wasn't flying either which was nice, it meant I could enjoy it with her more!"

When the pair touched down at Armagh Rugby Club, friends ran across to see who it was that was arriving in style.

"Everyone just thought it was really cool, most people where quite impressed," jokes Ethan. "It was just something different compared to arriving in fancy car or tractor."

It was also Ethan's 19th birthday that day, so the night was a double celebration for the young couple.

Looking back on the night, Ethan added: "We had a great night, one to remember let's say. Lots of craic, and a moderate amount of drink taken! 🤣"

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