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Poet dies on holiday RENOWNED Irish philosopher and
poet John O’Donoghue has died after collapsing while holidaying
in France.
The 53-year-old author of the best selling Anam Cara and a number of other
works was formerly a priest and had just seen his latest work Benedictus
— A Book Of Blessings released to excellent reviews.
When published on the day Princess Diana was killed in 1997 Anam Cara
soared to the top of the best-seller lists.
Described at the time as the country’s most unlikely publishing
sensation and Ireland’s Little Book Of Calm it was reprinted 13
times in 12 months.
His other published works include Eternal Echoes, Divine Beauty, Echoes
Of Memory and Conamara Blues.
O’Donoghue studied for the priesthood at Maynooth and went on to
gain degrees in philosophy and English Literature.
He later travelled to Germany where he was awarded a PhD in philosophical
theology from the University of Tubingen.
He combined parish work with lecturing and rapidly gained a reputation
as a deeply spiritual and enlightening thinker.
Close friend and film-maker Lelia Doolan described John O’Donoghue
as one of life’s great spirits.
Labour Party president Michael D Higgins said he was an inspirational
figure.
“He was a person of immense courage who gave witness to truth,”
he said.
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