He stood so tall, big long legs I used to admire,

With long curly locks and the most infectious laugh with which you could never get tired.

I’d wait patiently for his return.

Away for months at a time, sometimes even years,

Whether he was coming or going,

There was sure to be tears.

At Christmas time he’d burst through the door and say

“Nonie! Hamster, HELLO!” and hug me so tight,

He was my idol, my big brother, who I loved with all my might.

He’d tell me all his stories as I sat on his knee,

Chatting and laughing, always so full of glee.

Whether it was about Dublin or London - we were so fond of his tales,

Drunk in a pub, the crew at LAMDA or even about the odd female.

He never stayed long, and would leave for London again so soon.

He loved that place, loved seeing his family,

But couldn’t wait to get out of Omagh toon.

I would break my heart crying every time that he would go away,

When would I see him again? I never knew.

Maybe a few months or even next Christmas,

Much to my dismay.

I often thought about him, his life in the big city,

He was a star, an artist, a poet, an actor,

But we watched him deteriorate,

Mental illness - a contributing factor.

He wouldn’t come home any more,

We knew it was getting worse.

My heart was breaking,

I thought it was going to burst.

No more letters, postcards or big bear hugs for Nonie,

No more sleeping over at auntie Bernie and Tony’s.

One day the horrid news arrived, a cold Christmas night,

My loving brother, a son, uncle, nephew and cousin had given up his fight.

“NO!” I exclaimed at the police - “It can’t be true!”

“I’m so sorry for your loss,” they said.

Now my heart is broken in two.

I know where you are up above you are in no pain,

But being without you on earth is driving me insane.

I miss you Niall, just want you to know,

I love you so much and I’ll never let you go.