belfasttelegraph

Saturday 25 May 2013

Maeve Binchy's husband 'very moved' as tributes pour in

Irish author Maeve Binchy has died at the age of 72

Maeve Binchy's husband Gordon Snell said last night that he was "delighted and very moved by all the tributes that have been paid from Ireland and all over the world".

Binchy's family also said yesterday that she had requested that her funeral be a simple service without any eulogy.

Hundreds of people, including several high-profile members of the arts and literary world, are expected to attend the acclaimed writer's funeral Mass at the Church of the Assumption in Dalkey this morning.

The Mass will be celebrated by local priest Fr William Stuart, while her cousin and actress Kate Binchy and Maeve's brother William will each recite a reading.

Her neighbour, the 'Father Ted' actor Frank Kelly, will recite the psalm; while music will be provided by uilleann piper Liam O'Flynn, Shaun Davey and Rita Connolly.

On BBC Radio 4's 'Desert Island Discs' programme in June 1990, Binchy chose the 'Brendan Theme' by Mr O'Flynn as her favourite track. It is understood she had requested that he play at her funeral.

Tributes have poured in from the world of politics and literature since Binchy's death, including from President Michael D Higgins and from Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Latest News

Latest Sport

Latest Showbiz