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A portrait a week, every week, in 2013.

—Cillian

At six years old Cillian was apparently totally smitten with me when I was born. Looking back at baby photos I can attest that I was equally so with him. And still am…most of the time. I mean it’s hard to ooze admiration and respect for a brother when he is holding you by your ankles over the kitchen floor. Ha!

The first time I remember Cillian told me he loved me we were walking down the stairs and even though our family say this to each other all the time I knew that this was special and not to look at him or make a big deal…so I just said ‘I love you too’ as cool as a cucumber. Another of my favourite memories is of the day we spent hours building a sand town in the sandpit at the end of the garden, I remember feeling so special and lucky to have such a cool older big brother who wanted to hang out with me.

Cillian is loud and fast and has more friends than I could ever count and it is impossible to keep up with him. He can be mean and a big ole bully at times but he most definitely has a heart of gold underneath it all. He is always here and there and everywhere but thankfully, most of the time if I do need him he’s there willing and able to lend a hand or an ear or a hug. Cheesy cheese, just how I like it.