Radio broadcaster Joe Duffy has shared his heartbreak following the death of his "favourite" uncle.
The RTE Liveline host issued an emotional tribute honouring the "one-of-a-kind" Bernard O'Donoghue who died aged 93. Sadly, this is the second death in the family as Duffy's mother, Mabel, died in February this year.
Duffy said on Twitter: "I am truly heartbroken at the passing of my beloved Uncle Bernard. Ironically he will be buried on Christmas Eve morning - because Christmas for us was made by Bernard.
Read more: RTE's Joe Duffy fights back tears as he says emotional goodbye to mother Mabel at funeral
Early on the day, he would arrive in Claddagh Green to take the order from my mother, Mabel, who sadly passed away this year at 93. He would also cast his DIY eye over Claddagh Green, assessing what had to be fixed. He even made the star for the top of our Christmas tree - or more importantly wallpapering."
Duffy described how Uncle Bernard would "stumble in with the turkey under one arm, his stepladder draped over his shoulder, clutching wallpapers, tools, and tables". And in the morning, the family would wake up to their new Santa presents and a new house after Uncle Bernard spent the night wallpapering.
Duffy continued: "On St Stephen's Day we made our traditional trip to Aunty Monica and Uncle Bernard's in Rafters Road in Drimnagh for our annual feast of food, singing, and fun. Our childhood efforts at poetry and performance were diligently recorded by Bernard on his state-of-the-art reel-to-reel tape recorder - and they still exist."
Duffy reminisced how his beloved uncle loved music and was a unique role model for the kids. He said: "Bernard had a great faith, quietly held, daily lived. If God needs a right-hand man, Bernard is on his way for in truth three is only one place he is destined, deserved, and appropriate for a living saint - heaven."
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