Seeing these brilliant photos is an instant step back in time, over 25 years now, to me as a gauche, shy teenager, totally in awe of my best friend’s handsome, sophisticated older brother, and his gang of (in my eyes, then!) similarly sophisticated medical student friends. 

Visiting the O’Leary’s was the best of craic. Pre-mobiles & not encouraged to use the actual phone, I’d just rock up & take my chances on who was home. 

From an entirely pet-free house, I loved coming into a house of assorted cats, dogs, guinea pigs...were there more? Am I imagining birds at some point?! 

If David was home from college, I’d often arrive in to him studying in the main room; later on it would be Pat similarly studying. 

Despite me being utterly tongue-tied, David was always kind & chatted away, simultaneously slagging Aine (O’L) & trying to wind her up, till there were roars of ‘Go away Dave’ (words to that effect). 

In the background Pako would have discovered the hidden boxes of crisps & Bunty would be volubly, ahem, expressing her opinion! 

There might be the chance of lasagne & proper chips before the fire & Aine coming up with some mad scheme that I’d somehow go along with. 

Occasionally we’d get taken out for the afternoon with Dave & friends - talk about feeling cockahoop! This was excitement & feeling cool, like these grown ups, 8 years ahead of us. 

Only now, so many years later, can I appreciate how young Dave & friends actually were; David was bright, handsome, a gorgeous person, with a ready wit; his whole life lay ahead, bringing undoubted success. 

Thanks for the memories today - thinking of you all & sending thanks for those mad, meandering afternoons when we laughed for hours and possibilities stretched endlessly before us xx