Paddy Kielty is a good guy. He is from a small village a few miles from where I live. He, his wife and children are home regularly, they go to the local pubs and restaurants, he does charity appearances for local causes, still has the same mates, etc. His brother was playing football against my club and Paddy was watching the match, he was tormented by people wanting autographs and pictures, he never objected, smiled chatted and had his photograph taken. He was in the club after for a pint with his brother, they chatted away to everyone and anyone. I seen him doing standup when he was making a name for himself, very funny and very edgy. He once said that when he first went to England doing the comedy circuit the older comedians would say his generation knew nothing about facing an audience in the clubs and getting heckled, he said that when he was here doing gigs in republican or loyalist areas and telling jokes about paramilitaries and someone would shout out “we know where you live”, that would test your metal. Given what happened to his father I think he is a good example of what people can become. He is a good lad.