Dear Dad,
We thought it was about time you got a mention, for all your hard work, in your beloved Irish Times.
When we were small and you used drag us out of bed kicking and screaming every Saturday morning to go hockey training or wait an extra hour for us to finish music practice we never realised the effort and aspirations behind it all. With hindsight we can truly appreciate all you did for us as little girls (three handfuls) and how much you wanted us to be involved in everything, so we never missed out.
You instilled in each us of a confidence and a courage – that the world is our oyster and we could literally do anything we wanted. From exchanges in France and Germany, to college in the US, to the more serious later career changes – you supported us, both financially and emotionally, without judgement or questioning – just being there.
You always go above and beyond – the paper clippings always kept and left on our beds of opportunities, must sees and sport. The lifts to the train, airports and buses – bringing our bags on to our embarrassment and standing dutifully till we’re gone. The ongoing sacrifice of everything from the last square of Dairy Milk to your last fiver to make sure we never miss out from childhood to adulthood to now motherhood.
Dad, you’ve made our home an open house for friends, family and boyfriends. You’ve listened to our ups, downs and in betweens. You’ve instilled a deep love of sport, particularly Munster rugby, culture and travel in us all. You’ve driven us to Timbuktu and back and you’ve done it all with a smile, an encouraging word and a quick hug.
Dad , what can we say? You are an absolute legend and we will never be able to thank you enough for everything you’ve done for us and the love and support you’ve given us – but we’ll keep trying.
Lots of love,
Clare, Orla, Aisling (the three girls) x