Neil John Ireland (12 May 1970 - 7 Sep 2019)

hello all.

firstly condolences to all of Neil's family and friends. i have somewhat belatedly (today 17.03.2020) learnt of Neil's passing away. last i spoke to Neil was on linked, what seemed like 2 months ago, but may have been some 8 months ago.

Neil and i had some transactions between us when Neil was at BHB. then when he moved to Birmingham, we caught up with each other again. he was always a very polite and well mannered person. i'm shocked and saddened by his passing away. never expected to hear this sad news.

heartfelt regards to his family.
Roxi
x

I've just dropped my son off at Nottingham University for his first year of studies and it reminded me to look up Neil and see what he's doing. Utterly shocked to see the news. Neil was my best friend throughout school and college and we'd always get together during university holidays until our careers took us in separate directions. It was Neil's 18th birthday party was the first time I got drunk much to the annoyance of my mum who had to clean things up!

Memories of lots of laughs on the bus to & from college, meeting up in town for beers and Neil introducing me to some of the dodgiest Indian restaurants in Saltley, there was one time I literally stank of garlic for 3 days after he ordered us some extra garlic naans making the waiter underline the word garlic 3 times!

Neil was a true Gent, always helpful, intelligent, great sense of humour and always had respect for other people.

Condolences to the family and Rest in Peace Neil.

Saddened to hear of Neil's passing. He was always great company whenever I saw him in Missing. A true gentleman.

Was so sorry to hear this very sad news. Neil was a gentleman and the most entertaining company you could wish for. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Sue, Pete and his brothers xx

Neil was a colleague at Button Legal and Band Hatton Button and became a good friend to myself and my wife.

We will remember Neil as a true gentleman, kind and caring, full of fun with a ready smile. Neil had a brilliant sense of humour. His office news reports (Press Releases) were hilarious. He will be greatly missed.

We would like to send our condolences to Neil's family at this sad time.

May they find comfort in their many happy memories.

I'm still coming to terms with the news of Neil's passing. Thirty one years ago this month Neil and I moved to Nottingham having selected the University as our first choice place to study. I forget now how we became friends, as I didn't read law as a first degree, but I am guessing that our shared interest in politics and enthusiasm for socialising (and beer) had something to do with it. In his final year, Neil particularly enjoyed the companionship of regulars in his local, the Dunkirk Inn. Indeed, I recall him commenting that some of the locals never realised he was a student.

The enjoyment of the company of others, regardless of background, is something that Neil took pleasure in over his whole life and he could be the best companion on a night out (which usually involved beer(s) and a curry). As a limited user of social media myself, I kept in contact with Neil by text and phone. After qualifying as a solicitor three years after Neil, we would discuss the vicissitudes of a working life in the law. We generally kept each other updated on our progress and occasional advancements. Although we specialised in different areas of practice, we both worked through the 'profession' evolving into what it is today. Neil's approach to being a solicitor was based on a desire to help people, deliver a first class service, whilst using his expertise to provide practical solutions to complex problems. This more traditional approach may not have fit easily with the 'tick box' and target driven culture prevalent in modern law firms. When Neil acted in a purchase of a property on my behalf the service was impeccable. It was obvious that I was represented by a consummate professional. When visiting the Spitfire some years ago, I recall Neil helping a regular with their Passport Application. I would guess that Neil gave of his time without any question of a fee being payable, other than perhaps in liquid form.

It is no surprise to me that following the successful completion of his Law Society Finals, Neil returned to his roots in the West Midlands rather than seeking greater rewards elsewhere (which his academic credentials would surely have merited). Neil was proud of where he came from and I doubt that he would ever have seriously considered relocating elsewhere.

Attempts to meet up over the years were often unsuccessful due to work, distance and other commitments but I always assumed that we would both have ample time ahead of us. On the (very) distant horizon there was the prospect of reflecting on our respective careers, and reminiscing about pubs and establishments we had visited as undergraduates. Neil would, no doubt, have particularly enjoyed remembering our visits to the Radford Variety Club.

I shall miss these conversations and benefitting from Neil's insights on a situation or problem, grounded on his experience and good sense - and his sense of humour. Neil was an exceptionally able lawyer, a good friend and an all round good bloke. His family can be justly proud of him.

Was so very sorry to hear of the sad loss of a true gentleman that Neil was. We grew up on the same ‘avenue’ and whilst we didn’t have a lot to do with each other, we always knew who each other was. I know this because many moons later our paths briefly crossed and we shared many in depth comforting chats. Lost touch afterwards over the following years but got used to seeing Neil’s name pop up here and there on local community threads on Facebook issues, always happy and eager to offer his advice and opinions. Deepest sympathies to Neil’s family and closest friends. He will never be forgotten RIP X

It is very sad news, I have only just heard. We had some great times in the Quadrant Coventry. Will miss his posts on Facebook. My thoughts are with you all. xxx

Junior school memories. During playground football, Neil was always referee, and had made his own yellow and red cards. They came out frequently. Happy memories

I was at school with Neil (Park Hall class of 86)...my memories of Neil are of him being as bright as a button and excelling in everything he applied himself to. His creativity and drive back then clearly pathed the way for a successful career in Law. We got back in touch via Social media and I watched with interest the various chapters in his life. This is terribly sad news and reading the comments show what a true gentleman he was. Condolences to the family....RIP Neil

Neil was and always will be remembered as my very close friend. I have many many happy memories of all the times we spent together in over 40 years of friendship starting at Junior school and throughout our working lives. Although our education and careers took different paths we always kept in touch. I will look back fondly on all the times we spent together socially, the conversations we had, the fun and laughter we shared and the lasting friendship we had. Neil was a pure Gentleman and I am honoured to have been part of his life. I will treasure my memories of him. Both myself and my family will miss Neil greatly. We will never forget you Neil. You will always be with us. We would also like to express our deepest regret and sympathy to Neil's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest in peace my friend.

Very privileged to have spent my latter school years with Neil as one of the Class of 86 Year at Park Hall. Although it’s now 33 years since we left I have a very prominent memory of him telling me of his desire to become a Solicitor upon leaving School. Many years later and due to the invention of Social Media we got back in touch and I was pleased to find out that Neil had not only followed but excelled in his career path.
So saddened to hear the sad news of Neils untimely passing this week and I would like to send my sincere condolences to the whole of Neil’s family at this sad time.

Rest In Peace Neil,
God Bless.

Neil was a true gentleman, he was always very polite and courteous both professionally and socially. A great bloke who will be missed by many people.

I worked with Neil at Martineau Johndon only for a short while but we hit it off straight away. He was a lovely man such fun and always had a smile on his face. We kept in touch over the years and met up a few times always having a good laugh. RIP Neil x

Neil and I were business partners at Button Legal and latterly Band Hatton Button. He was a totally honourable man, gentle and kind. We had some great times together and always made time to have a laugh. His sense of humour was legendary!
Everyone who knew Neil will miss him terribly.

My dear friend RIP and my condolences to your lovely family I really can’t believe this devastating news xxx