Seamus Deane(1920-2021)Academic and literary critic Seamus Deane died in May, at 81. Known for his talent for delivering comprehensive, articulate, engaging analyses completely off-the-cuff, Deane was a founder and chair of the University of Notre Dame’s Irish studies program, setting the precedent of quality for that field of study around the world. His Derry upbringing and … [Read more...] about Those We Lost
Death
Taunting Death with Malachy McCourt
There is something fitting about where Malachy McCourt is calling from as I speak to him about his dark and hilarious new book Death Need Not Be Fatal. McCourt is at a Manhattan rehabilitation facility, where he will spend the next few weeks recovering from a “severe attack” of gout. “I’m doing pretty good now,” he says, sounding lively and cheerful enough given what he’s … [Read more...] about Taunting Death with Malachy McCourt
Macklin’s Cross
It looks like it's trying to clear this morning, though waves of drizzle betimes pass through. Our friend Thomas says "betimes." I like it. A little while ago our neighbors Anne and Joe Kelley stopped to tell us that Joe Macklin had died during the night. The Macklins live in the small house on the crossroads at the end of our lane, where we turn to go into Roscommon. It's … [Read more...] about Macklin’s Cross
News from Ireland: Ulster Unionists Lose Party Leader
Pro-Agreement and anti-Agreement Unionists were united recently at the funeral of Sir Josias Cunningham, a leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, the largest Unionist party in Northern Ireland. Cunningham was killed on August 9 in a two-car collision in Belfast. He was 66.Cunningham was elected president of the Ulster Unionist Council in 1991. The Council is the governing body of … [Read more...] about News from Ireland: Ulster Unionists Lose Party Leader