Derek Mahon

I feel honoured not only to have lived in the time of Derek Mahon, but also to have known him personally. My children and I lived at the Grove for two years after my marriage ended, during which time Derek took me under his wing. He gave me much-needed work typing his manuscripts, he mentored me and gave me books, his own poetry, and those of poets he admired, such as Elizabeth Bishop. He was hugely entertained by my stories about my incorrigible father, and always hoped to meet him. We had many a happy hour in long conversation at my kitchen table or in his place, and he would come along to the Kinsale Bookshop for poetry readings, always generous of his time with emerging poets. He encouraged me to send my work to Poetry Ireland Review and thanks to him, I began to be published. So shocked and saddened to realise he Is gone from this world, but what a legacy he has left. One of Ireland's greatest poets, and an honourable, humane, insightful human being. So glad he had you in his life, Sarah, for his last years, and my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Condolences also to his children and family. Thank you, Derek, for all the riches you have left. 'We shall meet again by the shore at high tide.'

Derek's poetry will continue to enrich our lives as it has done for some thirty years now.
Deepest sympathy to you, Sarah, and Derek's family and close friends.

I convey my deepest sympathy to Sarah and the children at this time of sad loss; my heart goes out to you all. I became acquainted with Derek in the Summer of '69 - he was teaching at a school where I had a student job. He introduced me to so many writers and made me aware of how much I needed to read beyond what was 'on my English Course' in Trinity! He was an inspiration. Years later, I engaged him to do a screen-play for a project I was developing. When the script arrived, from New York, I witnessed the versality of his talent first hand. His vibrant sense of humour - with that ironic Northern wit - will keep him alive in the memories of those who were lucky enough to have ever been in his company - a true gentleman. Thank you for your rich legacy of writing, Derek, R.I P.

Thinking of you Sarah and all Derek's family at this time. May Derek rest in peace

Sorry to learn of Derek’s Passing. I wish to extend my Sympathy to Sarah and his Family. I got to know Derek shortly after he came to live amongst us in Kinsale. Within a few years, he willingly and eagerly became involved in the Artistic and Community life of the Town. He was embraced, accepted and liked by the people, in turn, he reciprocated that hospitality by supporting various community based organisations. R. I. P.

Deepest sympathy to Derek's family … Derek's father was my grandmother's brother and I have read many of his wonderful poems over the years. May he rest in peace.

Heartfelt condolences to Sarah and Derek's family on his sad passing. I always enjoyed our chats, you were a breath of fresh air and a gentleman and a loyal customer. I'm so sad and I will miss you dearly, you will be welcomed with open arms in heaven by all the great writers and poets. Give a big hug to Aidan Higgins for me. I feel blessed to have known you both. RIP Derek, my friend.

So many memories over 30 years of a wonderful poet, whose books travelled with me and whose company in Dublin brightened many a working week! Love and condolences to those close who loved him dearly. Xx

Deepest Sympathy to Sarah and Derek's family. May he rest in peace

Deepest sympathy to Sarah and all of Derek's family, such a loss for you all, my thoughts are with you at this very difficult time XOXO ♥️

Our sincere sympathy to Sarah and the family on Derek’s passing. My prayers are with you all and thank you for the fond memories.

Sincere sympathy to Sarah and Derek's family and friends. A wonderful poet who enriched our lives. May he rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy to Sarah and all of Derek's family at this sad time.May Derek rest in peace.

Our heartfelt sympathy to you Sarah and all of Derek's family. Thinking of you.

We would like to offer up our deepest sympathies to his partner & his family. We will miss his calls and his company on a daly bases, a long loyal customer of Kinsale cabs. We will miss Derek dearly.

Fond memories of Derek coming in and out of The Market Garden grocery shop in Kinsale. He will be sadly missed. Condolences to all of Derek’s family. May He Rest In Peace.

Rip ....loved his poetry ...a gift we treasure.....I will arise and go now ...thank you for your work .

Sincere sympathy to Sarah & all Derek’s family rip

Love is not changed by death
Nothing is lost
And all, in the end, is harvest

In memory of a wonderful, inspirational Poet whose work challenged us to remember

My condolences to Sarah and all of Derek's family. A wonderful poet remembered fondly at our poetry evenings in the Kinsale book shop. May he rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy to Sarah and all the family a lovely gentleman and great friend

A great loss to all who knew him but especially to Ireland. Sincere condolences to you, Sarah, and all his family.

Since coming to live at The Grove 3 years ago, I've become acquainted more and more with Derek, his fantastic poetry, and his pace of life. My deep condolences Sarah, on your loss. But know he will live on in the hearts and minds of millions. Ar dheis De go raibh a ainm. Thank you Derek for a life lived to capacity. You were a joy to know.

Deepest condolences to Sarah and all of Derek's family. RIP

One of natures gents. Deepest sympathy to Sarah and family. I had the pleasure of
singing Derek's Everything is going to be alright a privilege I will never forget.

Condolences to Sarah, Derek's family and friends. We will all miss him dearly at the Lemon Leaf.
Rhea

I remember Derek fondly from our years at TCD. !961-1965. R.I.P., Derek.

Sympathy to all the family . Rest in peace Derec

Sincere sympathy to Sarah & Derek's family on his sad passing. May he rest in peace. I remember him as a gentle & kind man during a short stay in KCH a few years ago.

My condolences to all Derek’s family. One of life’s gentlemen.
RIP Derek.

Derek's poetry was - still is - the staff of life for me. I become acquainted him in the mid-1990's, in his (Dublin) Fitzwilliam Sq. days. At that stage, after the publication of The Hudson Letter and The Yellow Book, he was enjoying regular swims in the sea, and copious coffees. (That was after London & New York, and before Rome & Kinsale!) A kind, thoughtful, soulful man, who touched people with his presence, and his poetry. Condolences to his family and friends.

No longer a star in our firmament alas.

My deepest sympathies Sarah to you and to all of the family. Derek was an exceptional spirit in this world, and will be so very much missed.

Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.