Opinion

Marie Louise McConville: Heartbroken by the loss of my wonderful friend Aideen Kennedy

Forever young – Aideen and myself enjoying one of our many university nights out
Forever young – Aideen and myself enjoying one of our many university nights out Forever young – Aideen and myself enjoying one of our many university nights out

THEY say grief is the price we pay for love.

Therefore, the greater the grief, the more we loved the person who died.

I guess that's true.

This week, I'm struggling following the sudden loss of one of my best friends.

I sit here in shock, feeling a mixture of anger, loss, denial and pure devastation.

I first met the wonderful Aideen Kennedy, then McGaughey, on our first day of university.

I was sitting anxiously in the lecture theatre at UUJ when a raven-haired beauty sat down beside me.

With perfect skin and a perfect smile, she was a knock-out.

Vivacious and bright, she had a warmth and kindness about her.

We became instant best friends.

Over the next 24 years, we would go on to experience every possible adventure together, and what a ride it was.

For many years, every Saturday night, we would party at the Welly Park.

She was both the best and worst person to socialise with – her moves on the dance floor were legendary – but if I'm honest, I never had a chance of finding a man because all the boys loved her.

After university, we entered the world of journalism.

I remember the first time my byline was published, she insisted on a night out to celebrate and regaled the taxi driver about my big achievement – such was her pride.

Later, Aideen worked at GMTV, then UTV, while I went to The Irish News.

As life progressed we navigated engagements, weddings and babies.

But recently, life had dealt our Aideen some harsh blows including the loss of her brother Dara and her sister Fiona, both of which followed the tragic death of her oldest brother, Rory, many years ago when he was just 18 months old.

However, she did her best to carry on, supporting her parents, Maura and Noel, and spreading sparkle wherever she went, until she became unwell.

On Friday night, just a day after she learned she was going home to die, it was my turn to visit her in hospital and I had the pleasure of spending some hours alone with her.

During the visit I held her on the bed as she cried and later, she told me off for my bad singing as I tried to cheer her up.

Just days earlier, she’d requested I bring an eyebrow pencil sharpener to the hospital as she was worried about her brows – that was our Aideen.

A few hours after I left that Friday night, she passed away peacefully, her parents by her side.

I am absolutely heartbroken that I left her.

I cannot accept she is gone. The sense of loss is overwhelming.

I miss her beyond words.

Never again will I hear her burst into a show tune or see her spontaneously perform the splits.

But I know she is at peace now, reunited with her beloved siblings.

Aidso, I wish I could hear you laugh and see you smile just one more time.

I will forever treasure those final hours we spent together.

I will miss you forever my wonderful, kind friend.

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Oh dear, what are Warner Bros thinking?

The first images of actor Ryan Gosling as Ken from the live action Barbie movie have been released – and they're awful.

Gosling may be considered one of the world's most gorgeous men but as Ken, he looks just ridiculous.

Sporting bleached-blonde hair, a golden tan, sleeveless denim and washboard abs, his shock transformation into Barbie’s boyfriend has divided opinion and no wonder.

I have to say I'm not impressed.

Due for release next summer, based on these images, I'm not sure I'll be queuing up to see Barbie after all.

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Schools are set to finish this week for summer so how about winning a fab family game to keep everyone entertained?

With plans for much-needed holidays under way, Red Knight toy group, Ireland’s core board games distributor, has just the game to keep both young and old enthralled whenever and wherever.

WordStacker is a card game of stacking, stretching and mixing up words to score points and win.

Quick to set up and easy to learn and play, the game is for two to six players.

Players can create new words every time they play and stack their way to victory.

But beware, they may get sabotaged by their opponents.

Anyone can win this game of strategy and wordplay.

Kids love it because they get to play without help from parents and they can win.

Adults also love it because it's not always about what you know, there's strategy and challenge in the game which is compelling and fun.

I have five Wordstacker games to give away.

If you would like the chance to win a game, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com.

Closing date for entries is noon on Tuesday June 28 2022.

(Q) During which two month do schools traditionally close for summer holidays?

Normal Irish News rules apply.