PATRICK J. CRONIN,
Sir, - It was with very special interest that I read the account of Aubrey de Vere in An Irishman's Diary on March 21st. The article by Brian Maye was indeed an accurate exposé of the Victorian poet's life, but there the accolades end. To say that Aubrey de Vere is not remembered today is utter nonsense. The author also suggests the centenary of the poet's death on January 21st passed without mention; again this could not be further from the truth.
We in Limerick are very proud of our scholarly tradition and we always acknowledge, remember and honour our many great writers and poets. Great writers of the past such as Dáibhidh O Bruadair, Gerald Griffin and Aubrey de Vere, together with their more recent contemporaries such as the late Kate O'Brien and Michael Hartnett, have a special place in Limerick life.
In 1997, I wrote the biography of Aubrey de Vere and through the generous financial sponsorship of local industry here in Limerick, I was able to publish the works,which included a large selection of the poet's poems. The book, Aubrey de Vere the Bard of Curragh Chase - A Portrait of His Life and Writings, proved to be a huge success and rekindled interest in de Vere not just locally here in Limerick but throughout Ireland and indeed further afield in the UK, America, Australia and New Zealand.
Each year since 1997 Askeaton Civic Trust has hosted a commemorative weekend consisting of pageantry and poetry recitals in honour of the poet.
Askeaton is located a couple of miles from the birthplace of de Vere and is also where the poet is laid to rest. Aubrey de Vere was born at Curragh Chase House which is located between Askeaton and Adare in West Limerick. The house, which was accidentally destroyed by fire in 1941, is set in a beautiful forest park and is open to the public 365 days a year. The old ruin is admired by many and stands testimony to a very benevolent landed gentry family and a highly acclaimed Victorian poet.
January 21st certainly did not pass without mention of the poet's centenary. This Christmas the Mid Western Health Board here in Limerick commissioned a special Christmas card in remembrance of the occasion. The card featured a special painting, Winter Landscape Curragh Chase by Geraldine Dennehy, and also quoted the poem Peace by de Vere.
To quote from Brian Maye's article, "Aubrey de Vere belongs to an important honourable tradition in our country's poetry in both the Irish and English languages. He should not be forgotten."
I assure you he is not forgotten. - Yours, etc.,
PATRICK J. CRONIN,
Cragmore,
Askeaton,
Co Limerick.