It is with a sad heart that I write this. The body of John Aherne, a 32 year fellow Wicklovian, was found in Stockholm today.

R.I.P John Aherne

Mar 26, 09:03 PM

It is with a sad heart that I write this. The body of John Aherne, a 32 year old fellow Wicklovian, was found in Stockholm today. Most people I know knew him as Herney. I knew John from the odd house party from my youth and also through his older brother. John was a gas man, always up for a laugh and, as I have heard others say, he always had a twinkle in his eye.

I know this is a bizarre memory, but I’m sure anyone who knew John will have a laugh at it. Herney was the first person I ever saw lighting a fart. It was hilarious. It was the morning after at a house party in one my friends houses and he called all who were awake to take a look at something. He then proceeded to light a fart in front of us, while almost crying laughing. He had us all in stitches. A strange memory I know, but that kind of epitomises who he was to me. John was not only hilarious, but he was also a true gent. He really was one of the good guys and he will be sorely missed.

There is an incredible thread on thelocal and the outpouring of empathy, hope and sadness are a small testament to the gentleman that was John Aherne.

My thoughts are with the Ahernes, Karl, John’s girlfriend and all who were close to him. I feel there is no more I can say on this.

Rest in peace Herney, you’ll be missed…

Comment

  1. Hello Owen!

    Thank you for the kind words on kangworld.

    Your story of John brought a tear of joy to my eye. Please accept my deepest condolences and sympathies.

    :hugs:

    /Kang

    High Priestess Kang → Mar 26, 09:37 PM

  2. Amazing story. I was honoured to have someone who knew John this intimately comment on my blog. Thanks. And join me in my continuing toasts to John this evening. Hic. Oops.

    Mark Base → Mar 26, 09:42 PM

  3. I’ve posted your link on The Local.

    Mark Base → Mar 26, 09:46 PM

  4. john you will be missed by everyone that knew you my condolences to his mammy,sisters,brother and his girlfriend and his mate karl rest in peace john R.I.P

    emma k → Mar 26, 10:43 PM

  5. Thanks Owen for that.

    We live on in the memories and hearts of people who knew and loved us. In John’s case, he also lives on in the hearts and memories of hundreds, perhaps thousands who sat vigil praying for his safe return.

    I wish you a good journey John.

    Beth aka 007 → Mar 26, 11:16 PM

  6. Hhmmm… Wait a minute. Did you say that he was a “gas man” at some point? Sounds like it.

    Mark Base → Mar 27, 07:02 AM

  7. Well said Owen. The anecdote is perfect :)

    Fergal → Mar 27, 07:49 AM

  8. Thanks for the comments everyone.
    @Kang – You are welcome. Thank you for being so kind on thelocal.

    @Mark – Thanks for the reply. The gas remark is a funny coincidence :) Thanks for posting this on thelocal.

    @Emma and Beth – Thank you for your kind words.

    @Fergal – Hi Fergal. I was unsure of whether to post or not, but that memory just kept coming back to me and making me laugh. I just hoped it might help people remember Herney as the legend he was.

    Thanks again everyone.

    Owen → Mar 27, 11:57 AM