Firstly, I want to express my gratitude to Father McKenzie and everyone in attendance for this beautiful service.
I also want to thank Willie Haughey for his invaluable assistance in organizing this event and securing such an incredible venue.
Let’s start by honoring my dad, who was married to my mum for an impressive 57 years. They tied the knot on March 12, 1966.
To celebrate their marriage, my dad went straight to play for Dunfermline against Hamilton while my mum handled the party arrangements.
This set the tone for their relationship. It’s not a criticism, as my mum had no interest in football; all she wanted was for my dad to succeed.
She supported him wholeheartedly as a player, and it has been said countless times before that my dad couldn’t have achieved what he did without her.
Despite her disinterest in football, she would attend the cup finals with my aunt Bridget, chatting away and oblivious to the game.
For other matches, she would check the Teletext on the kitchen TV during halftime and full time.
While my dad pursued his football career, my mum focused on raising us kids. My dad has often referred to this as a sacrifice, but for my mum, it was her calling and a role she excelled at.
We were three boys – Darren, who was content playing football and eating, and my brother Mark and I, who constantly bickered. We would often hear the classic phrase, “Wait ’til your dad gets home.” Sometimes she would tell him, other times not.
Being a grandmother brought her immense joy. She couldn’t resist buying clothes for the grandkids, often hiding the shopping bags from my dad in a room downstairs.
Over the past few months, my mum endured a challenging time. However, she never gave up, persevering through every setback until it became overwhelming for even her.
I’m sure many of you have experienced similar circumstances. The doctors try to prepare you gradually, but when the inevitable happens, you realize you were never truly prepared.
Today, our family’s priority is to honor my mum and pay tribute to her, with this magnificent venue playing a significant part in that.
Just two days after my mum’s passing, a little girl was born in Aberdeen – my granddaughter, my parents’ great-granddaughter. We named her Isla Cathleen as a fitting tribute. And believe it or not, just before we entered this venue today, my son’s wife went into labor. You couldn’t make it up.
This is what my mum was all about – family. I often pondered whether my mum and dad were simple, uncomplicated people or if there was more to them. I believe it’s a bit of both – they are complex individuals grounded in simple, fundamental values.
While our family is devastated by her loss, I find solace in knowing that my mum received the farewell my dad desired for her.
She deserved this final tribute, and I am glad she is now at peace.
My dad recently said something that perfectly sums it all up – “The Gorbals girl has come home.” God bless you, mum.
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