A FLORIDA man visiting his West Cork relatives chose the moment to propose to his girlfriend at a spot with unique family significance. 

Robert Sullivan popped the question to Cara Romain at Zetland Pier near Glengarriff.

The pier holds a special significance for the family, as it is where his great-grandfather left Ireland after fighting in the Crossbarry Ambush. 

The Sullivan family travelled to West Cork from California and Florida to take part in the Sullivan/O’Sullivan world record attempt in Castletownbere on Saturday.

It was Robert’s first time making the journey, and so he wanted to make it extra special.

He said: ‘I thought it was a perfect opportunity and perfect place to wrap full circle, that one pier which I feel holds huge foundation into who I am, and how my grandpa, my dad and myself were even put on this earth.’ 

Robert admitted he was ‘a little nervous’ going down on one knee but added: ‘It was so exciting. It was also really cool to see the smile on my dad and mom’s face. It was a really special moment for all of us to share.’ 

His dad Chris said Robert wanted to be at Zetland Pier which is where Christy Sullivan emigrated from in 1921.

He left having fought alongside Tom Barry during the Crossbarry Ambush, leaving behind his family in Adrigole.

 He boarded a rowboat to Bantry, caught another boat to Cork and then departed for America.

 Christy worked as a shipbuilder in New York for ten years before working for the Butler family, where he met his wife Mary. 

The proposal came as a surprise to everyone except Robert and his sister, who captured photos of the joyous moment.