Sir, – It is refreshing to see so many letters from male readers in appreciation of Maeve – proof, if needed, that she was not a “chick-lit” author.
Some years ago when I was buying four copies of one of her books at a signing, she remarked to me “That would pay for a week’s groceries” – showing just how down to earth she was.
I wouldn’t read her Saturday column on the day of issue, preferring to save it for Sunday morning in bed with breakfast provided (and still provided after 53 years) by my dear husband.
So many of us would love to see those columns reprinted – a fitting tribute to our beloved Maeve.
Sadly missed. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Despite her worldwide fame, Maeve Binchy never forgot her old friends from way back. And we shall never forget her. She was special. – Yours, etc,
A chara, – The Irish Writers’ Union wishes to express its sadness on learning of the death of Maeve Binchy.
Maeve was a long-standing member of the Irish Writers’ Union. As an Irish writer, she was an inspiration to many aspiring writers when she showed that it was possible to make a living from writing. Perhaps one of her most remarkable achievements was her ability to portray women of all ages and classes, and her treatment of female characters and their lives, from Light a Penny Candle to Dublin 4. The translation of some of her short fiction into Irish is used by students and readers of the language, and has added to the canon of Irish language translations.
The sadness and loss expressed nationally at her death is an indication that we have lost a special writer and a special person. However, it seems to indicate something more than that: it tells us about the central place that literature, writing and writers have in Irish life. As one of the greatest supporters of the Irish Writers’ Union and the Irish Writers’ Centre, we think that, in her modest and unassuming way, Maeve might agree with us on this. Even in her passing, she has turned a light on the Irish nation, and on our ongoing love-affair with literature.
It is now our turn to light a candle for her. Beannacht Dé lena hanam. – Is mise,
Sir, – Among all the tributes being paid to Maeve Binchy, let it be known that she was a loyal friend to the elderly. She was a constant advocate of the power of friendships, in fact her life was a testimony to it. We will all miss her. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – I would like to make my small contribution – I shall “light a penny candle” for her. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – I remember losing an earring and seeing a photo of Maeve Binchy wearing a pair just like mine in a magazine once, around 1998. I wrote to her and told her I was looking for an extra earring to match the one I lost and asked her where did she get hers.
She sent me a postcard with a promotional picture of Tara Road, the book that her publishers were promoting at that time. At the back, she wrote me a little note, saying that Gordon bought her those earrings from a gallery in Foxrock and wished me good luck in finding another one like it. That just showed how personable she was, that she had time for everyone, despite her fame and status.
I still have that postcard today – but never found the earring to match! – Yours, etc,
Sir, – In 1977 I was introduced to The Irish Times and the unique writing of Maeve Binchy through a series of her articles under the heading “On the Beaches”. Her encounter with the regulars in the then men-only Sandycove bathing place and the high dudgeon it provoked is surely worth a reprint.
This happy relationship has endured for 35 years and the news of Maeve’s untimely passing makes me realise how much I may have taken her brilliance and generosity in inviting me into her world for granted.
God bless Maeve. You will be sadly missed. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – I attended the Convent of the Holy Child, Killiney, at the same time as Maeve Binchy, and I would like to say that even at the tender age of 14, Maeve displayed the same characteristics of warmth and humanity which she displayed throughout her life. The few anecdotes which I would like to share would be too long for an email, but make wonderful tales for dining out.
I have been privileged to have had a continued, if sporadic, contact with Maeve and Gordon until recently, and can only add my very small but heartfelt sadness at all our great loss. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – On Tuesday morning last I woke to the sad news of Maeve Binchy’s death. Downstairs I found a letter from Gordon, Maeve’s husband, enclosing a recipe, at Maeve’s request, as a contribution to a book of recipes I am helping to compile to raise funds for the Irish Motor Neurone Association. One of the last kind gestures of a wonderfully generous woman. – Yours, etc,