RIP: Condolences paid to Leitrim poet and ‘treasured friend’ 

Condolences have flooded in for Mary Guckian, a “generous and thoughtful” Leitrim poet who passed away following a long illness

Mary Guckian lived in Ringsend, Dublin 4, but was formerly of Kiltoghert, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim.

Mary passed away peacefully in the exceptional care of the staff of Our Lady's Hospice, Harolds Cross to whom much thanks is offered.

Mary was Predeceased by her parents, Pauline and Patrick, her sister Pauline and her brother-in-law, Anthony.

READ MORE: Leitrim SFC Relegation Final replay set for Ballinaglera on Saturday October 11

Mary will be sadly missed by her partner, Victor Feldman, her sisters Ann (Walkinstown), Patricia (Carrick-on-Shannon) and Christina (Dromahair), her brothers Sean and Willie, sister-in-law Maura, brothers-in-law Pat and Michael, her aunt Ena O'Rourke, uncle Paul Corcoran, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, cousins, many friends and members of the Rathmines Writers Group, of which Mary was a founding member.

As Mary has chosen to donate her body to medical research, no funeral will be held at this time, A memorial service will be arranged in the coming weeks.

 “I am so very sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. I had the privilege of working with her for many years in the IPA, and in more recent times I came to know her through various writing activities. Mary was such a talented poet and photographer, with a deep love of her Leitrim roots. She was exceptionally generous and thoughtful, and it was always a pleasure to be in her company.”

Mary was an author who published three books of poetry with Swan Press, Perfume of the Soil, The Road to Gowel and Walking on Snow and a long time member of Rathmines Writers Workshop.

READ MORE: ‘Close calls’ as Google Maps directs tour buses the wrong way in North Leitrim village

 Mary grew up on a small organic farm, much of her poems are written about growing up in harmony with nature.

One message read: “Mary was a treasured friend to so many of us. She was the most caring, creative, talented woman, who constantly drew on the beauty of the world. Deepest sympathies to Victor, her beloved partner, and to Mary's family.”

Another paid tribute to the warmth of her person: “To say she was one in a million is an understatement!. She was such a kind person that give time generously to family and friends. Anytime I would ring, she was always going to visit someone, do something for someone or go to her writer's group. I admired her as a person - loyal, caring, kind thoughtful, dependable, generous and so talented with her writing and photography, yet so modest. Her hospitality was so warm too. Couldn't give you enough!. Will miss her. RIP Mary xx.”