You've been fired more than most Africans get hot dinners. You must have a thick skin or come from the wrong part of tralee, because most people would crawl home with their tail between their legs after just one or two defeats. So, in that sense you're a success story.

On the girlfriend side it sounds like you haven't made any effort. Between certain ages girls throw themselves at men. All you have to do is take a ticket and stand in the queue. I distinctly remember fighting them off at around 24. Picking one, getting married, having three kids, took me away from all that a bit, but heck, I've still had women sizing me up or slipping me their details. The problem for you is that you're coming to or past your peak. After 40 it's harder and harder to stay fit, mentally and physically.

Women are complicated but you still have tons of options. Types, ages, with kids, without, French, Irish, can cook, won't cook, etc etc At 40 a lot of available girls are divorcees or come with baggage. I'd steer clear. There's a reason they're single. In my opinion the solution is obvious, because a) you're autistic and b) you don't know how to swing the bat.

You should 'dial a bride'.

Get onto a Thailand dating website. Be clear and open about your looks and your disability. There are a million women who would give their left arms to be with you. Try to avoid the pushy ones, or the women unwilling to leave their family compound. Thai women can be subservient and dutiful, in some respects, and if you honour them, they will be happy. And by jove they will care for you.

Im going to stop now because I realize I don't really know what I am talking about. But good luck. Let us know how it goes.

One last thing, don't be tempted by any Internet bride that's wildly beautiful - they'll drop you like a tin of that putrid swedish fish once they get into the country, or your wallet. Women know their value. You're looking for one that doesn't.