Robbie Hegarty

Robbie Hegarty
The quiet gentleman.
Rest in peace. Fondly remembered by John & all the Gormley family formerly of Elaghmore Park. Sunday 19 September 2021

Dad, My Father
A pensive mood takes me back to the days of old
Memories that took more than 50 years to unfold.
Earliest recollections can feel like a dream
And not as accurate as they could seem.
I am my Dad’s first born and eldest child
And I am so like him, we tend to collide.
Those days though have become more distant
To the point where they are fairly, non-existent.
Though I do not remember my earliest days
I’ve heard that was our inseparable phase.
Fondly, I recall skipping along to Sunday Mass
Hand in hand laughing through the grass.
Like most children I wanted a pet puppy
But Dad offered me a pigeon to make me happy.
Racing pigeons for years was his passion
However, I was more interested in fashion.
When Mum was in hospital having our brother
Dad was left to watch and feed the other
Boys and me a good Irish Stew
Full of ‘dough balls’ we tried to chew!!
So many memories are engrained in my mind
Throwing stones, catching bus rides, the daily grind.
Fun times had, in the most strange circumstances
Through troubled days we took our chances.
The years rolled on, my teens came into sight
I watched Dad run marathons and do Triathlons with all his might
I tried my best to go run with him some days
But he was fitter and stronger and not fazed!
My Dad never said too much when I started dating
But when it came to Jeff, he defended that mating
He had more foresight than clearly I knew
And the best man for me, became part of our crew.
Leaving home and Derry was such a milestone
To start married life in London alone
Homesickness became embedded in me
Breaking away to start a new family tree.
A few years went by and we returned home
Trying to stay close and to no longer roam
My Dad was working repairing machines
And we met in Coleraine, when we had the means.
Opportunities came on the horizon for our family
And we all travelled to Aberdeen gallantly.
Life went on and continued afar
We visited frequently by bus, boat and car.
Our biggest move would bring increased heartache
And we prayed it wouldn’t be a big mistake
Off to Texas, America bound we go
For how long we do not know.
it’s now been 20 plus years since then
Dad and family visit time and again
We keep fantastic memories when we travel
Eventful times continue to unravel.
A lifetime has passed by much too quick
My heart hurts for my Dad who is sick
Courageously fighting through each day
Facing ahead, come what may.
Now I’m a grandmother to four of my own
I see the reflections of genes like a clone
It’s deeply part of the makeup of life
Representing all the happiness and strife.
I love you Daddy ... we will meet again Always and forever Jacqueline xxx Friday 17 September 2021