Valentine's Day is almost here, and to celebrate, we've been breaking down some of the great love stories in Irish sport - those wonderful bromances that tug at the heart strings of a nation.
Last week, compelling cases were made for Roy Keane and Martin O'Neill, and for Gordon D'arcy and Brian O'Driscoll as being the greatest bromances of our time, but today, we put forward Belfast boxing legends Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlan.
The two boxers' relationship goes back a long way, and with such longevity comes perhaps less sparks, but a much deeper love.
A journey through the archives gives us some evidence that they may indeed be the perfect couple.
They are comfortable in their skin around each other:
Pre weigh in V post weigh in 😂 @mickconlan11 v @paddyb_ireland pic.twitter.com/3iO061KEZd
— TyroneMcKenna (@Tyronemck) January 27, 2017
Happy birthday to my little sidekick mate @paddyb_ireland 33 today lad, keep it lit one year behind your idol #GGG pic.twitter.com/PwW7CJLTSc
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) April 9, 2016
They enjoy socialising together:
They love to dress up for a date night:
They love to go star-gazing:
@RafaelNadal same time tomorrow again mate? #breakfastbuddies pic.twitter.com/WYOWuBD4zw
— Paddy Barnes OLY (@paddyb_ireland) August 3, 2016
They don't fall out over differences of opinion:
The even get on well with the in-laws:
@paddyb_ireland turned up to our Christmas get together this year! He looks so happy 😂 #TheConlanFamily pic.twitter.com/4gkoJNgKZY
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) January 3, 2016
The perfect couple.
Now, with Valentine's Day approaching (and we know Paddy and Mick would never have this problem) if you struggling to find the words to tell your loved one how you feel, we think you'll find Lidl Romeo Love Note Generator handy.
It's incredibly easy. Just go to www.LidlRomeo.ie and answer a few simple questions, and let the generator do all the work for you in seconds.
For example, if Paddy Barnes couldn't find the right words for Mick this Valentine's Day, then this is how the Love Note Generator would save his hide:
Dear Mick
Far be it for me to express those things you call human emotions but here goes. From the moment you walked into my life, back in 2005, you’ve taken ownership of my heart. I didn’t know I was capable of feeling what I’d only seen in movies and I know you’ll probably roll your eyes, or think I’m a sap for writing this down, but today, on Valentine’s Day, I had to tell you:
To me, you are everything.
You’re the last chocolate-covered biscuit in the pack.
The first sip of an ice-cold brew on a hot summer’s day.
I love that when nobody’s around, we’re our weirdest selves together.
I love that you’re always freezing, even when we went to Rio
I love it when you complain about crooked judges and even when you go on foul mouthed rants on national television
I love that you go crazy for boxing the head off lads
And I love when you give out to me about copying everything you do
I could quarrel with you all day long, if it means having you by my side.
Happy Valentine’s Day
Another compelling case.
So who do you think is the greatest Bromance in Irish sport?
