Christine's Memories of Paddy

Written by Christine Brennan (nee Walls), Paddy's older sister by 18 months.

Have been feeling very low since we came back from Kerry and have written down some of my abiding memories of Paddy to help me. I thought I might share them with you all.

Sneaking a look together at the builders in Glounthane with fascination as they were allowed drink their tea with their teaspoons in their cups.

Walking the old road to Flute head's and meeting Paddy coming out of the Ashbourne House hotel with a pack of cigarettes. He was seven maybe eight. Of course we all had to have one. Siobhan was six years old..

Dreading  a family quiz as I knew he would always get the answer before I did.

Listening to the Doobie Brothers at least 20 times a day.

Paddy telling me The Facts of Life.

Dancing with him up and down the kitchen in Carrickbrack to Elton John and Kikki De after I received my leaving cert results

Laughing with him  until we cried at Morcombe and Wise jokes.

Paddy running away from boarding school and being sent straight back.

Paddy and Tim hanging around Carrickbrack when they were meant to be at school.

Watching him and snoops come down the road in his triumph car. Always hard to work out whether it was dog or human driving.

 

Paddy tying the feet of my tights together (when they were on me) and making me walk up and down the dinning room.  I couldn't walk but only because I was laughing so hard.

Holding me down on the ground and telling John to 'Dance on her head'

Visiting Paddy and Shelagh for Sunday dinner when Eoin and Stevie were toddlers.

Paddy working in our house. For the past fifteen years I have been trying to find some fault in his work but never have.

About 5 years ago,sitting in my  car with Eoin at the traffic lights at Sutton Cross when Paddy passes, wearing his hat and the coolest shades I had ever seen, driving a Mercedes. He looked like he had been driving this style of car all his life. I remember looking at Eoin. We both just laughed and said. The jammie .........

Lunch with him and Claire in Gardenworks one sunny day, when he was not drinking and really enjoying the company of a real gent.

Listening to his excitement about his first trip to Spain with Claire.

A wonderful chat we had in Mam's porch a few nights before we closed up the house. He never complained to me, although I know the selling of the house was breaking his heart.

Giving all he had to give playing  against the nephews on Ventry beach. Think he excelled in cheating!

Sitting at the bar in Foxy John's one summer's afternoon just talking shit...

Taking his hat off to push his hand through his thinning hair.

A bloated face in Banna strand. (you're pretty fat yourself !)

Once again playing soccer but this time as a druncle in a very stylish nightdress and of course his hat.

Wearing shades when the sun was definitely not shining as his eyes were so sore.

A short but lovely trip down memory lane with him at Declan's 40th birthday party.

A dying brother in Tralee hospital on Saturday 4th September.

I loved him dearly and will hold on to these precious memories as long as I possibly can.

Christine x x