Even in this time of sadness, friends tend to laugh when discussing the life of Ciaran Cassidy. It happens when they talk of his passionate defence of all things Arsenal, should anyone have dared mock his much-loved football club. And again when they recall his loyalty to his mates, his love of a pint and his infectious, mischievous smile. Mr Cassidy's murder at Russell Square has left family, friends and colleagues devastated and Finsbury Park, north London, without one of its most popular characters. "He always had a smile on his face," said a friend, Michael Mafunga, often the target of Cassidy's jibes on account of his job with Spurs. "He was the life of the party." Born on October 27 1982, Mr Cassidy was raised in a close Roman Catholic household, by his parents Sean and Veronica. He attended Christ the King primary school in Islington before moving on to St Thomas More Roman school in Wood Green. There, as a youngster still dreaming of playing for Arsenal, he encountered Eddie McCluskey, a maths teacher and football coach. "It's fair to say he wasn't particularly captivated by his studies," Mr McCluskey said,"but football was something he loved passionately. I had him at left back and he always joked he was better than that and had the pace to be an attacking mid-fielder. I begged to differ." Mr Cassidy's passion for football never diminished. After graduating from La Swap sixth form college in Highgate with a GNVQ in leisure and tourism, he could often be found at Highbury with his father. Mr Cassidy had spent the past six months working at the Bridge and Company stationery store on Chancery Lane, saving for a holiday to Australia. He had discussed the trip with his sister, Lisa, the night before his death.  Courtesy : The Guardian News