‘The greatest loss is always felt by family but sometimes, when a special bond is being broken, a much wider circle is touched by grief’

Saying goodbye to a good friend The cloud was clinging to Carlingford Mountain but the drizzle on the lough didn’t shroud Burren, my home parish high above Warrenpoint. We gathered in the driveway of a dear friend to say one final goodbye. The greatest loss is always felt by family but sometimes, when a special bond is being broken, a much wider circle is touched by grief.

In white shirts, black ties and black jackets we were all dressed the same. The team was back together, another funeral for another player who had died much too young..