Tributes pour in for 'amazing writer' Maeve Binchy after peaceful death

Famed Irish writer Maeve Binchy has lost her battle for life after a short illness, with her loving husband by her side.

The widely respected 72-year-old novelist, playwright, journalist and columnist died in a private south Dublin hospital last night. She had recently been suffering from heart problems and arthritis.

During a glittering career which saw her sell more than 40 million copies of her books worldwide, the native of Dalkey in Dublin set the highest standards for modern Irish literature.

However, she was equally well regarded for her ability as a forthright speaker on social issues which at times led to heated public debate.

The best-selling novelist began working life as a teacher after graduating from University College Dublin, jokingly referring to the horrors that awaited her as a Dubliner in Cork in her trainee years in a rare in-depth interview decades later.

However, writing soon took hold and she became a journalist and later a columnist for the Irish Times.

During the 1970s and 1980s, when she worked as women’s editor, Ms Binchy played a pivotal role in the establishment of the newspaper’s women’s pages, focussing on the dynamic societal reform taking place during the era.

Her time at the publication also included a highly coveted period as London editor.

However, despite her journalistic career, Ms Binchy is most fondly remembered for her fictional works which sparked a fanbase stretching across the globe.

Her first novel, the 1982 Light a Penny Candle, quickly became a best-seller and fittingly followed the themes of small town Ireland, family and above all humour — all vital to her future popularity.

Among her 15 novels, 10 short story collections and numerous other works were the 1990 Circle of Friends and the 1998 Tara Road, which were later turned into Hollywood films.

Although she retired in 2000, Ms Binchy continued writing, with her last novel Minding Frankie published just two years ago.

In 2010 she also received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Irish Book Awards, adding to a glittering array of accolades.

The popular writer is survived by her husband and fellow author, Gordon Snell, and had been living near her childhood home in Dalkey in recent years. Mr Snell was by her side when she passed away.

On hearing the news during last night’s Tonight with Vincent Browne show on TV3, Minister of State with responsibility for mental health, equality and older people, Kathleen Lynch, paid tribute to the writer.

The Labour TD said Ms Binchy was “an amazing writer” and “could fit neatly” in a list of more “elite” writers, many of whom she has easily sold more books and gathered more fans than during her career.

Hundred of fans also took to Twitter to mourn her passing last night.

Fittingly, in a recent update on her personal website, maevebinchy.com, she had written: “My health isn’t so good these days and I can’t travel around to meet people the way I used to. But I’m always delighted to hear from readers.”

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