Vincent was one of five brothers and one sister.

They all pre-deceased him.

Brought up in Gilford although his family were originally from Derrgonnely.

He was married to Catherine, now aged 96 (he was 84).   Catherine was from Dundalk. She is in good physical health, but sadly suffers from severe dementia and is currently in Seapatrick Nursing Home.

He was devoted to Catherine. When her health declined, she needed carers to call in and slept in a hospital bed in their only downstairs room. He brought out a camp bed at night and slept on the floor beside her so as not to be separated. This went on for more than a year. During the day time, Catherine was unable to take part in conversations. However, Vincent told me, when the lights went out at night, they talked about the past as if her mind was clear.

Vincent worked in a butcher’s shop, Gilford Mill, Moy Park and Goodyear.

He had a passion for bowls and travelled the province playing.

He enjoyed sport of any type – football, horse racing, snooker, rugby to name a few. Saturday afternoon was not the best afternoon to visit the Delaney home!

He also enjoyed watching westerns with Cathy, when she was able to enjoy them.

He didn’t have the opportunity to electively retire having suffered from a heart attack aged 69 which forced retirement.

Vincent lived in humble circumstances but considered his home to be a “palace”.

He rarely had a bad word about anyone.

He taught me many life lessons:

-          Be grateful for what you have

-          Enjoy life

-          Health is worth more than wealth

-          Be loyal

One of Vincent’s last wishes was that Catherine be moved from a Portadown Nursing home to Seapatrick.

She was moved the day before his parting.

We feel that after she was moved, he was at peace and ready to go (the fact that Celtic had won 5-1 on that day give him further happiness and that Paddy, his Jack Russell terrier, was rehomed in our house gave him further peace of mind)

Vincent was a man of faith. He was devoted to his church and to that faith.

Vincent had a few last thoughts which he expressed in the days before he passed away:

He said to me – “God has been good to me, he’s given me a great life. Be good to God”