Sir, – A remarkable woman whose writings so brilliantly captured the quiet drama of human relationships. She was our Jane Austen. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – As one wit remarked fondly about her books: “Maeve Binchy has given more pleasure in bed than any other woman”. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – We have lost not just a talented and prolific author but also a warm and wonderful human being. I first enjoyed her talent in 1973 and well remember reading her piece in The Irish Times on the wedding of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips in which she memorably described the then British prime minister Edward Heath as looking like a wax statue. This irreverence prompted a deluge of protest to the letters page of this paper and Maeve’s name never seemed to depart our consciousness after that.
Her talent was immense, but as well as being appreciated for her body of literary work, it is the warmth of her personality and her ability to connect with people that will be remembered with the greatest affection.
Thank you Maeve – may you rest in peace. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – If ever an author and individual can be described as “best loved”, Maeve Binchy was. Her persona, writings and books will remain part of our national treasure. Thank you Maeve for sharing your talent, humanity and bringing a wry smile to the nation on many an occasion. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – As a nation we should be so proud of the legacy that Maeve Binchy brought to Ireland. She is nothing but an inspiration. Her great stories and words will never be forgotten. May she rest in peace. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – She was our Queen Mum. Thank you, Ma’am. – Yours, etc,