John Fogarty: Memories of my uncle Bill Cooper

We kept a seat for Bill at our table on Saturday. I lost count of the number of Christmas Days I shared with him. Now I try to count them

Stephen Cluxton leads Dublin out in the 2019 All-Ireland final against Kerry. John Fogarty’s late uncle Bill had Dublin in his heart and was there to see the five in a row. Picture: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

I want to tell you a little about my uncle Bill Cooper. Bill passed away peacefully but suddenly on the Monday before the All-Ireland football final this year.

Only 58, his loss is going to take some getting used to. Warm as he was wicked, he was a raconteur and a reciter. To be in his company was to be entertained.