A Dallas-based comedian and actress gained widespread attention after traveling about 4,500 miles to Ireland for a first date, a journey that later developed into an ongoing romantic relationship, according to interviews aired by CBS Texas.
Theresa Rowley, who lives in Dallas and shares comedy and acting content online, connected with Sean Rooney of Longford, Ireland, after he sent her a direct message on social media. Rowley said the exchange led to weeks of phone calls and video chats before they agreed to meet in person.
Rowley traveled from Texas to Ireland earlier this year for the meeting, bringing a friend for safety. She said initial nervousness eased after meeting Rooney in person, and the two decided to continue seeing each other.
Rowley documented the trip and their meeting on social media, where the videos attracted significant attention and circulated widely. Irish media outlets later featured the story, and Ireland’s tourism agency invited Rowley back for another visit.
Rooney later traveled to Texas, where he met Rowley’s family and spent the Thanksgiving holiday with them. The couple said they continue to manage a long-distance relationship between the United States and Ireland.