Interview - A Wall For Clive
Channel: Irish Hospice
Date: 09/05/2023

Born in circa 1959, Ber was placed in an institution for the deaf as a young child even though her hearing was and is perfect.  It’s almost impossible to believe now, but back in the 1950s, the vast majority of persons with any kind of intellectual and / or verbal disability were frequently institutionalised, and sometimes abandoned, for the rest of their lives. 

Not so with Ber and her loving family who moved her to the residential care services offered by St John of God Carmona Services in Glenageary, Co Dublin.  It was here she met Clive and spent many happy years with until he died from a particularly aggressive form of cancer. 

Another of Clive’s life-long friends was journalist Fergus Finlay, who wrote at the time:   

“Clive Coady touched the hearts of all who knew him. He won’t be forgotten. I’ll never forget that last half-smile as long as I live … At the end of a long and noble life, his family are bringing him home. And a tiny light has gone out in the hearts of all of us who loved him.” 

Certainly, the light flickered and dimmed for Ber but it never went out. Hardly a day has passed since 2013 that hasn’t involved Ber depicting Clive engaged in various activities, more often than not surrounded by stars. Doing so has not only kept the light of his memory alive within Ber’s heart, but also allowed her to cope with and communicate her grief.  

Over time, it became Ber’s ambition to create a memorial billboard dedicated to Clive and also show others how grief can be processed in so many different ways. As Ber’s artwork beautifully illustrates, her way is to surround your loved ones with stars and happiness for they are in a place of peace.  

Watch an interview with Ber Wall, St John of God staff member and artist Eithne Griffin, and Ber’s sister.