The day the Irish literary world plunged into deep mourning on the passing of a favourite son, Israel cheered an honorary degree from Trinity College, Dublin awarded to its own best known living novelist.
What’s more, the honour bestowed on Amos Oz was given by former Irish president Mary Robinson, who as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights became known for her harsh criticism of Israel.
Oz told Ynet News during a telephone interview: "Dublin is not an easy place for Israelis. The criticism towards Israel and its policy in the territories is even harsher than anywhere else in Europe. But the cultural Dublin, the one that loves poetry and literature received us with open arms. My wife Nili and I spent only a few days here, but they will always be remembered with great affection”.
However this piece is not about Oz, but about novelist and poet, Dermot Healy, who was hugely loved and respected as much by his neighbours in Ballyconnell, County Sligo as by his literary peers.
But rather than give a potted biography of Healy who was not well-known outside Ireland, I’m reposting this video clip of a fiction and poetry reading he delivered in December 2012.
Still, I cannot conclude without giving us something to read, so here is The No Tree – courtesy of Poem Hunter.com.
“The No-Tree
“Sometimes the moon
gets caught in the high branches
of the No-tree,
and you have to shake
and shake the No-tree
to set it free.
Even this may never be enough”.
© Natalie Wood (04 July 2014)
2 comments:
I haven't come across Dermot Healy before, perhaps proving that he is less known outside of Ireland.
Kris Hemensley and then Terry McDonagh write:"I've been reading a bunch of contemporary Irish poets, published by the fabulous Gallery Press (County Meath), lent to me by Libby Hart, and including Dermot Healy's A FOOL'S ERRAND (2010). The loan came out of an enthusiastic Irish poetry conversation plied with Guinness! But the other day I heard from Libby herself just phoned up by friends from Ireland that Dermot Healy had died suddenly. I've been enjoying A Fool's Errand --if it's not the barnacle geese then it's funerals & music... The book's a sonnet variation, 2x2, 3x3, 2x2 -- I'd been wondering about the composition and suddenly that jumped out of me from the page... Anticipating a little Melbourne wake the following postings from Ireland".
From Terry McDonagh : "Dermot was unique and his star will rise and rise. I'd like to say a few words about his legacy as a person...his books can be read by one and all...
"It was strange to see such a vibrant person lying in the coffin. I didn't know him all that well, but I met him many times...he read at a festival in Kiltimagh that I directed and, as always, he made a huge impression on the audience. At his wake on Wednesday, his wife, Helen, reminded me that he'd enjoyed himself at our little festival to such an extent that when he'd left the town to return home, he suddenly asked her to turn the car and come back again for no particular reason other than the fact that he'd enjoyed himself.
"His support for budding writers was special. He is remembered fondly by many he'd published in Force 12...a magazine he'd edited. His years as Director (and escapades) of Force 12...later Force 10 festival in Belmullet County Mayo are legendary".
Last autumn he read at Westport festival with the poet, Ger Reidy...I felt he looked a bit tired and not quite himself, but his reading from his novel, Long Time No See, gave me special insight into his message and style."
I have reposted these Facebook shares particularly because of Healy's evidently sincere concern and support for struggling fellow writers.
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