Jess Redden and Rob Kearney have been living their happily ever after for more than a decade, but how did they first cross paths?
The pair took the first steps in their relationship in 2013 when Jess was studying pharmacy at UCD before saying 'I do' in 2021 and growing their family in 2023. Now, their family is expanding once more.
In the early days, Jess was studying and Rob was at the height of his rugby career. Although ladies all over the country had their eye on the sport's star, it was Jess who stole his heart.
Early days
It's unclear when exactly Jess and Rob first laid eyes on each other, in part because Rob has always been cautious of sharing details of his life away from rugby, but we know they made things official in 2013.
Despite efforts to keep their dalliance on the down low, it wasn't long before college student Jess' name was appearing in national headlines. Hearts broke that one of Ireland's most eligible bachelors was off the market.
Until he met Jess, Rob’s most high-profile relationship was with British actress Susie Amy whom he dated for almost three years. The pair initially split in 2012 but rekindled their love a year later, before deciding to properly call it quits.
Jess has spoken previously about coming into the public eye herself at just 19 through her relationship, telling the Independent: 'I guess you develop a really thick skin. And it’s not that I don’t get any sort of negative feedback. I still do, but it just bounces off me, because it’s more of a reflection of other people.
'I find when you are open, honest and sharing your vulnerability, people are so appreciative of that, and it resonates a lot with other people.'
Their relationship
As their romance blossomed and they began to build a life together, Jess and Rob became more open about their personal lives, with Rob even giving some interviews about his life outside of rugby.
Today, the couple regularly offer glimpses behind the gates of their plush Ranelagh home and are not opposed to sharing some loved-up snaps on Instagram, clearly comfortable with each other.
The proposal
Jess and Rob got engaged in New York on New Year’s Eve 2019 after the sports star popped the big question in a romantic proposal.
A delighted Jess documented the magical moment with a picture of the couple at Times Square, where she proudly showed off her new bling.
A big move Down Under
After Rob finished his time at Leinster, he signed with the Australian rugby team Western Force and moved down under to play. Jess jetted across the world to be with her hubby-to-be, but has previously said it almost didn't happen as she was grieving her dad.
Jess explained RSVP: 'Rob had got an offer quite last minute, I think it was around August (2020) and my Dad was in hospital at the time so everything was just kind of going over my head. I was like ‘yeah, yeah, say yes it’s a great opportunity’, without thinking too much about it because I didn’t really think it would happen.'
Then, things moved 'so quickly' and after her dad sadly passed in September 2020, Jess changed her mind, saying she didn't want to move. In the end, she decided to go and admits it was the best decision.
In February 2021, Jess shared a sweet snap telling Rob she would have gone to the moon to be with him, but said she was very glad he 'picked the prettiest corner of the earth.'
Jess moved back to Ireland in May 2021, saying: 'Sometimes the best detours in life are the ones we never have planned. After so much heartache and darkness I stepped on a plane into the unknown little did I know taking that step would be my best decision in life to date - our angels are always watching us and willing is to make those steps. Thank you Perth for helping to heal my soul, mum get the kettle on - I’m coming home.'
Tragedy strikes
Jess and Rob were originally set to wed in June 2021 but brought their wedding date forward to November 2020 after Jess’ dad Brian became ill.
Sadly, Brian passed away in September 2020 and Jess has been very open about her grief, often penning moving poems for her dad.
One read: 'Some days it catches me that you are not here. But we are doing so well Dad, so you don’t have to fear. I see you in rainbows, in robins and dreams I see you in Bobby [Jess and Rob's son], in his smile when it gleams. For you may not be earth side `but I know you’re never too far away. What I would give just to hug you today.
'Life can be cruel and unfair it is true. But today I feel lucky for time spent with you. You made me feel happy, supported and loved. I know you’re still watching from up there above.'
The wedding
After a rocky road getting there, Jess and Rob finally said their 'I dos' surrounded by friends and family in Co Clare on December 3, 2021.
They then enjoyed an intimate reception with their loved ones at Trump Doonbeg, which many thought was a strange choice of venue seeing as Rob is a distant cousin of President Joe Biden.
However, Jess holds special memories of her father at the exclusive hotel.
The couple looked like a match made in heaven as they shared a series of photos of the special day that they described as 'the most incredibly special day.'
Jess revealed that her father was 'with her every step of the way' thanks to the special touches she added to her bouquet and dress.
She had a locket with a special keepsake photo of her father included in her bouquet as well as the words 'My darling dad, forever in my heart' embroidered into her dress.
Jess looked sublime in a strapless white gown featuring a train with intricate lace detailing. Rob looked handsome as he beamed next to his new life in a three-piece black tux.
Baby on board!
In February 2023, Jess announced the exciting news that she and her husband were going to be hearing the pitter-patter of little feet.
'We’ve been praying for you,' the mum-to-be said. In another picture, father-to-be Rob beamed with pride as he rested his hand on her bump.
Baby makes three
An overjoyed Jess and Rob grew their family in August 2023 when they welcomed a baby boy into their lives. In a beautiful tribute to both her late father and Rob, they named their son Bobby Brian Kearney.
'[It's] hard to believe there was a world that you didn't exist in, we love you endlessly baby boy,' Jess wrote.
Bobby is now almost two, with his proud parents often sharing snaps of their adventures and time together.
In June 2025, Jess and Rob announced they were adding another little one to their family and were expecting their second child.
'One more reason to believe in magic, a little more love is on the way,' Jess wrote alongside a sunny snap of her growing bump on holiday.
