Phone rings* Clive, its Janine 😊  …my dearest friend Clive, where do I start. I suppose the funny thing about our friendship other than our funny little friendship itself, was how we met.

I worked for the local Council and you were the posh treasurer on one of my voluntary groups. Once you got a sniff of my interest in sport, you were quick to invite me to the junior football club that you set up initially for the young lads (including Patrick and Peter) in the Ballymather loop to do a taster session. Before I knew it, 5 years had passed, and I was a permanent fixture of the club as fitness coach. We were part of the greatest coaching team in history for Junior Football…and so our weird little friendship was cemented.

I remember, we used to walk round the football pitches during matches as you wanted to lose weight and get fitter (and talk about my disastrous love life)! I was never going to be the one to get you to do that! It wasn’t until you met Tina arrived that you got your ass into fitness! Anyway, for a long time anyone that I dated who met you…the relationship would generally end shortly after, not sure if there was correlation there 😊! So, when I met my now husband, we agreed that you wouldn’t meet him for a bit as this relationship had legs! I think you met David after 6months or so. David found it funny when I explained that I had a 50 (ish) year old friend that I wanted him to meet! We went on to enjoy many times together, mostly centred around your amazing talent as a cook!

One of my favourite stories was when I was getting married and you were starting your house and pet sitting set up. You piloted your service on us. You looked after Hollie and Bo our dogs, our home, took us to the airport and had a meal ready for us coming home!! That was just you, always went that little bit beyond what was ever asked of you and I love you for that! Anyway, while you were staying, my mum and aunt called to the house to collect something, and both (after meeting you) were convinced that you might be gay!! Of course, I corrected them as I never knew a man who loved boobs more than you (which is why I never gave you front hugs)!! How we laughed when I told you this!! I think you had a nickname for my aunt pretty quickly as she was pretty gifted in the chest area… 😊 !!!!

Clive, I am so grateful that you led your best life over the last few years and became an even better version of yourself (if that was possible)! I am so proud to have called you my friend, of everything you achieved and all that you did for everyone, very rarely putting yourself first. There are so many thank you’ s that you never got…but you didn’t care you just loved helping people.  You will never know the great big hole you will leave in my life, but I know your in a better place.

I will miss you always…front hugs forever, Janine xxx