Irish Examiner view: A moment to remember the loved ones we lost this year

As well as the personal loss we suffer when loved ones die, this year we lamented a great many public figures we felt we knew

We are lessened by every death, and this year we also mourned larger-than-life people including Teddy McCarthy, Sinéad O'Connor, Shane MacGowan, and Frank Twomey. Picture: iStock/Getty

Losing a loved one is usually the most devastating experience that most of us ever encounter. It can be particularly affecting and lonely at Christmas when thoughts turn to times past.

In Ireland this year, we have lost and lamented relatives, friends, and acquaintances. And public figures who we felt we knew.