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6 of the most heart-warming stories from our commenters' lives

Plus we announce Aileen Parnell as the winner of our €200 cash prize.

OVER THE WEEKEND,  we asked you to tell us what the best thing that happened to you in 2015 was.

The comments we received were genuinely heart-warming – running the gamut from unforgettable additions to the family, overcoming adversity to succeed in an area of life you never expected, and lots more in between.

We’ve decided to showcase the most amazing contributions from commenters on TheJournal.ie, just to further highlight the positives in so many Irish people’s lives last year.

So, here you are – 2015′s best bits, as told to us by you…

1. Bundles of joy

Lots of you told us that your happiest moments of the last 12 months were based around kids – either the news that you were expecting or the birth of a little arrival. Liam Murphy was among the many of you who had good news last year:

Found out at the end of last year that I will be a first time dad this Summer.

Good luck Liam! And best of luck to all the other new or expectant parents reading.

Baby Feet storyvillegirl storyvillegirl

2. Quitting for good

Quitting smoking is one of the most difficult but rewarding things that you can do – not only health-wise, but on the wallet too. So fair play to Aaro-Saurus, who stubbed out his last butt for good last year:

I’m most proud of the fact I gave up smoking. One of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

Only The Last Time meddygarnet meddygarnet

3. A new career

Career and job worries can be one of the biggest causes of stress in life – so it’s great to see someone succeed in this area, particularly if they’ve struggled to get a foot in the door in the past. Well done, Niamh Ní Fhoghlú.

After 4.5 years on the Dole, countless applications, springboard course, and a jobsbridge role. I landed a permanent job ( not with the jobsbridge role). With a very well know IT company. I’m now getting paid real money :)

Fortune Cookie - Job flazingo_photos flazingo_photos

4. Positive changes

There were lots of kind words and encouragement for Katelyn Coyle after she shared her experiences with mental health ups and downs last year.

Last year I spent two months in hospital, finally getting the anxiety disorder that was destroying my life under control. One of the most positive experiences of my life. Thrilled to be happier and healthier in 2016

Meditation Moyan_Brenn Moyan_Brenn

5. When God closes a door

He opens a window. Or at least that is what Kelly Sandy found, taking the rough with the smooth over her work issues last year.

Getting fired after 7 years from a minumum wage job. I had to move back home. I was ashamed, embarrassed. It put a strain on my 5 year relationship. I had an arts degree before taking up the job. I used my savings to go back to college, get a postgrad in business. I’m applying for jobs I thought I was too stupid to do. It was the worst and beat thing to ever happen to me

Engineering and Computer Science Library Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine / Grid Engine

6. And finally, our winner…

Based on the number of green thumbs on her comment, our winner is Aileen Parnell. Aileen shared her experience of struggling with illness and overcoming its effects:

My hair grew back after a few months of alopecia. I was under a lot of stress and lost chunks of hair the year before but I learned how to manage my stress and I got help. Last year when my hair grew back, was the first time in ages I felt back to normal

Thanks for sharing, Aileen. Get in touch with us on advertising@thejournal.ie to claim your prize.

It’s time to reveal what highlight from 2015 McDonald’s are bringing back – it’s Free Breakfast Friday. Pop along to your local McDonald’s on Friday 26 February in order to claim your totally free breakfast, with the choice of a free Sausage and Egg McMuffin or alternatively a free Bacon and Egg McMuffin. All 89 branches will be offering this gret deal – but hurry, as you can only avail of this offer until 10am. 

Check out all the craic from Free Breakfast Friday last year – and don’t miss out tomorrow… >>>

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