Born in Boston, John O’Leary lived in Allihies for thirty five years on a farm which his grandfather had bought. There John bred Irish draught horses and over many years was central to the cultural life of the area. He was a man of many and varied interests, an avid reader and a ground-breaking poet. John loved the sea and he always said that his ambition was “to write a wave”. He published two books of poetry, “Salt” in 2003 and “Sea” in 2004. John also spent time as a visiting Professor at the Wesleyan University of Illinois and Seattle University.

A very popular figure in Scoil Phobail Bhéara, John gave unstintingly of his time to encourage young writers and, indeed, was an inspiration to many aspiring poets. He is remembered with great affection by teachers and students.

Sadly, John died in a boating accident in 2012 but his legacy lives on and he will never be forgotten by those of us who were lucky enough to know him.

by Paddy O Conor

Winners of the Bere Island Writing Retreats poetry competition will also read their poems