ANNE KELLY 1939-2003
It is with the deepest sorrow and regret that we report the death of Anne Kelly on Saturday 17th May, 2003, following a long battle with cancer. As her poetry on these pages testifies, Anne fought this battle with great courage, honesty, dignity and no small amount of humour. Annie's warmth, humanity and zest for life made it a true pleasure to spend time in her company. We are privileged that her remarkable spirit lives on in her written work.
May she rest in peace
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Anne Kelly was born on Achill island, Co. Mayo, in 1939. Achill, an island of some 3000 inhabitants, is located on the west coast of Ireland. The natural beauty of the island, with its Atlantic breakers, soaring mountains and cliffs, provides the backdrop for much of Anne's writing.
In common with many Achill people of working age, Anne worked away from the island for much of her life, including spells in the UK, US and in Dublin. The experience of living away from 'home', and the memory of her childhood on the island, are prominent themes in her work.
Anne published three volumes of her poetry during her lifetime. The first collection of Anne's writing, entitled 'A Homecoming', was published in 2000. The book was illustrated with photographs of Achill scenes and watercolor pictures of Achill wild flowers by local painter Joan Nolan. Proceeds from the sale of 'A Homecoming' went to St. Colman's Convent, Keel, which runs a day-care centre for the elderly on Achill.
A second collection of Anne Kelly's writing, entitled 'Dream Journey', was published in August 2001. This new collection of poetry by Anne contained a foreword by Dr. Michael Kearney, a well known author and medical director of Our Lady's Hospice, Dublin. Dr. Kearney is the author of two books, 'Mortally Wounded' and 'A Place Of Healing'. Our Lady's Hospice in Dublin is the teaching hospice for all the hospice programmes in Ireland. Proceeds from the sale of 'Dream Journey' by Anne Kelly raised several thousands of pounds for this hospice.
The third and final collection of Anne's poems was entitled 'A New Tomorrow' and was published in December 2002. Proceeds from this book went to the charity L'Arche. See column on the right for details of this book.
