JOHN MAGOWAN was whisked off in style to his son's wedding on Friday afternoon, with the Citywest Hotel's helicopter ensuring that he will return in time for his quarter-final with Dennis Smith.

Magowan, who hails from Donaghadee in Northern Ireland, booked a place in the last eight of the Sky Bet World Grand Prix with a superb win over Peter Manley on Thursday night.

However, the qualifier was due to be in Cavan just hours before the clash with Smith to attend his son Peter's wedding.

The Citywest Hotel stepped in to ensure that Magowan could make the 80 mile journey with the loan of their helicopter to take Magowan and wife Maggie to the wedding.

"It's a wonderful gesture by the Citywest Hotel," said Magowan. "I never expected to do so well this week and it was only after I beat Peter Manley that I realised Peter's wedding was this afternoon and I faced a dilemma.

"Although I'm playing in the evening I was worried we would get stuck in traffic and not get back in time.

"It's the first time I've been in a helicopter, but what a way to arrive for my son's wedding!"