Gary's
love of sport started very early and continued to grow with each passing
year. He joined many football clubs but because of his special ways he was
bullied in almost every club. He stood up to these people and it was his
firm and honourable stand that made him a target. He believed that
"each person was entitled to be how God made them and they should be able to enjoy
the freedom to live life."
I
remember Gary went to watch his brother Stephen play football. Gary
brought a ball to kick about with his sister Lisa. This was enough for the
bully's to start. Gary continued to play with his sister and never
showed annoyance. I quote again from Gary "keep
your head high and never mind them". This Gary managed to
do all his life, because of the strength and courage "Gar"
had. Gary shall always be our inspiration and guide through this life.
Gary
would not dwell on the above. It was the game of
football he loved. He first supported "Aston Villa" football
club. Quickly realizing that nobody supported Aston Villa he moved
to "Spurs". The team lost on many occasions and we all
enjoyed the fun around the table at meal times " keeping him going" about "the
losers". Gary later supported Liverpool Club. At last a team that could win
some games.
My knowledge of the game
is very limited, Gary was the expert of facts, figures, rules
and regulations. This included football team around the world. He also had a
love for all sports.
Gary
had a goal in life that he would one day become a football commentator. He wrote to R.T.E. (national t.v ) asking
what it takes
to become a commentator and received a nice letter in reply.
The love of Tae-Kwon-Do
Gary's
love for Tae-Kwon-Do surprised us. It became a passion for Gary. Rules governed how
each person treated one another. If you
had no respect for others then you were out. Unfortunately most other clubs
didn't keep these standards and would gladly turn a "blind eye" to
the bullying which
spoiled the fun for kids like Gary.
The photo on the right shows Gary and Stephen
receiving their "Red Tip" in Tae-Kwon-Do. We were proud to see them in action
together. Two brothers, two friends
who loved each other and shared a bond of great love.
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Gary
played for this team. But the team was made up of a lot of boys who bullied
Gary each chance they had. One day I dropped the boys off for football training.
All I heard from the top of the field you B-------are not playing. I raced up
the field and those boys had to retrieve the ball from over the roof tops.
Gary
scores in the mini world cup
The Boys in Action 31/1/1999
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