IN THE same week that Irish singer Sinead O'Connor called off her marriage after only 18 days, Denis and Marie Auberson, of Mudjimba, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Ah, they don't make marriages like they used to.

Denis and Marie met at Chester Hill in Sydney and were married about a year later on December 23, 1961 at St Barnabas in Fairfield.

They hadn't realised until they booked the wedding date that Marie's mother and father were also married on December 23.

They raised five children and have six grandchildren, some of whom were at the North Shore Tavern last Friday to help them celebrate.

It's a season of celebrations for Marie at this time of year. She turned 73 the day after her anniversary and of course that was followed by Christmas Day festivities.

Denis and Marie said there was no secret formula to a long-lasting marriage but that both partners had to work at it all the time.

Marie said they always kissed goodnight even after an argument.

"You've got to give and take," she said. "You've got to agree to disagree."

Daughter Janna Webb said she hoped her marriage was as loving and long-lasting as her parents'.

"I've got 42 years to go," she joked.

"They're great parents, fair and full of love.

"The home was always full of love and happiness."

Denis and Marie would not have much in common with Sinead O'Connor but, even after 50 years, they would probably agree with the sentiment behind the title of her biggest hit: "Nothing Compares to You".