(Pic. Brian McEvoy)
It is with sadness that I pay tribute to the late Niall McCrudden. No stranger to this diary, Niall was a popular and very well liked fixture on the social scene whose death came as a terrible shock to many.
Niall was an intelligent man, an Optometrist by profession, and a successful businessman. Actually he was more of an entrepreneur; after he sold his business, Insight Opticians, he was always looking at new investment opportunities and ideas. Putting his success to good use was another of his trademarks as he was a great supporter of charity, not only financially but (more importantly) with his time too.
Niall was a sharp dresser and took great pride in his appearance, always looking his best. I remember remarking once that he must take as long as a woman to get ready and he replied that he probably did, and that’s why he had all the women after him!
At a party he was such a friendly face in a crowd and always had a good word for everyone. With a cheeky sense of humour he was excellent company - outgoing and gregarious. More so than many he had an insatiable appetite for the good times; a generous host, his home was the scene of many a great evening – the garden alone would put any night club to shame with it’s hot tub, sound system and full bar!
Apart from all that however Niall McCrudden was a good, kind, decent man. For all his bravado and showbiz appearance he was actually one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met and will be sadly missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
