Dear Dad,
Well where do I begin? From the very early days of Sunday family walks all over the Dublin and Wicklow mountains, to holidays in Kilmore Quay, swimming off the little beach, then later in Caseys Cove in Kerry, sailing our first dingy, a Mirror across the bay. David and my very special evening to the Gaiety theatre to see One Flew Over The Cukoos Nest as our treat for doing well in the Junior Cert, which lead to my huge enjoyment and you and I enjoying many great plays in all the city theatres over the years, what fabulous memories and opportunities you presented all five of us with along with the great support and interest from Mum!
You always showed a keen interest and support in our sporting achievements along with our academic aspirations and from time to time had the “talk” about applying myself to my studies.
To this day in your very harsh circumstances, of living with a stroke, all my pals still ask for you and have great memories of either socialising with you in Finnegan’s in Dalkey and as we got older in Schull and Crookhaven with in-laws, grandchildren and the “Cork cousins”.
I miss the walks and chats with you, the mentoring in my career and the general support you have given me throughout my life
The special bond and loyalty of family you thought us over the years is being lived up to every day, between us as siblings and in helping to look after you.
I just want to say publically how very proud I am to call you Dad, to say how incredible and dignified you are in the face of a very serious and debilitating illness and that I love you very much.
Your daughter
Aisling