Tributes paid to writer and scholar Éibhear Walshe, who has died aged 61

Culture
29 Jul 24

Walshe has been described this morning as "a groundbreaking scholar, as a prolific, enthusiastic novelist and as the most generous colleague and genuine friend."

Tributes are being paid this morning to Éibhear Walshe, following news of the renowned writer and scholar's death on Saturday, July 27, aged 61.

Born in Waterford, Walsh studied at University College Dublin before settling in Cork. He was Director of Creative Writing in the School of English at University College Cork, having lectured in the department for over 30 years.

Among the many books he published during his lifetime were the novels The Diary of Mary Travers, The Trumpet Shall Sound, and The Last Day at Bowen's Court. He has also published numerous monographs, edited volumes, and a memoir.

According to his death notice, his funeral will take place in Waterford, with arrangements to follow.

The Munster Literature Centre have described today as "a darkest Monday morning", as "the literary community undergo a double-mourning" for both Walshe and Edna O'Brien, who also died on July 27.

"The discourse in heaven will be mighty," they add.

The Asociación Española de Estudios Irlandeses / Spanish Association of Irish Studies (AEDEI) have described Walshe as "a groundbreaking scholar, as a prolific, enthusiastic novelist and as the most generous colleague and genuine friend."

Poet and scholar Liz Quirke has also paid tribute.

"Hard to know what to say at a time like this," she writes. "The warmest of men, Éibhear Walshe, has been a huge influence on me since I first sat in his class 22 years ago. It was a huge privilege to know him, as a student, a colleague and a friend. I don’t know what UCC looks like without him."

Hard to know what to say at a time like this. The warmest of men, Èibhear Walshe, has been a huge influence on me since I first sat in his class 22 years ago. It was a huge privilege to know him, as a student, a colleague and a friend. I don’t know what UCC looks like without him pic.twitter.com/lA2Q7oKsZ6

— Liz Quirke (@Quirke_Liz) July 29, 2024

See more tributes below:

I’m so saddened to hear of the death of @UCC’s Eibhear Walshe. We sat in the sunshine and had a lovely chat last week. Eibhear had time for everyone and was encouraging to all writers. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/5MfGSuxzxt

— JP Quinn (@jpquinn78) July 28, 2024

The loss of the inimitable Dr Éibhear Walshe saddens us. Éibhear was our much-loved tutor during the MA @EnglishUCC He was always kind, and delighted in our every achievement. Éibhear was at our launch @WaterstonesCrk where Paddy Bushe read 'Eagle', a poem dedicated to Éibhear. pic.twitter.com/aP7tnz9ZyH

— HOWL New Irish Writing (@HowlWriting) July 29, 2024

RIP Éibhear Walshe, who was my second-year tutor at @ucddublin – the year I discovered Swift, Marlowe, Sterne et al, and wrote a very hyperbolic essay on Derek Jarman's film of The Tempest, about which Éibhear was sweetly sceptical. https://t.co/f5SWv3i5HP

— Brian Dillon (@briangdillon) July 29, 2024

Éibhear Walshe (1962-2024)

Unbearably sad to hear of the death of such a wonderful man. Over the span of 22 years, he was my lecturer, supervisor, mentor, and friend. A brilliant writer and teacher, he was matter of fact, supportive, and gleefully funny. I will miss him dearly. pic.twitter.com/CJAt3Ayd8y

— Michael Waldron (@michaeljwaldron) July 28, 2024

The Embassy team is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of author & academic Éibhear Walshe.

We were privileged to host Éibhear in January this year & experience his rare combination of academic insight & his skill for storytelling.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. pic.twitter.com/pjtbyxa52u

— Embassy of Ireland, Belgium (@IrishEmbBelgium) July 29, 2024