Laois community mourns death of Irish writer with local links

An acclaimed Irish writer and broadcaster who has died had strong Laois connections for all of her life, with sympathies expressed locally to her family.

Novelist, journalist, actress and RTÉ presenter and newsreader Deirdre Purcell died on Monday, February 13.

She spend her childhood summers visiting her grandparents who lived on the grounds of Castle Durrow.

Ms Purcell was a supporter of Laois, returning in 2008 to officially open Durrow Library, and in 2011 to launch Durrow Arts Festival.

Laois Libraries has paid tribute to her loyalty to Laois, sharing the photo from the opening of Durrow Library, where she unveiled a plaque.

"We are very saddened to hear of the passing of popular author and journalist Deirdre Purcell today. Deirdre was a special guest at the opening of Durrow Library in 2008 and is pictured here with Laois Library staff and local councillors on the day. Her grandparents lived in the town and she was a regular visitor on her summer holidays as a child. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam."

In 2011, Ms Purcell was the special guest in Castle Durrow to launch the town's arts festival.

She told of locals who welcomed her when visiting her grandparents on summer holidays, and commented on the hard work and community spirit shown in organising the festival in the small town.

“It’s the most ambitious, wide ranging, terrifically engaging festival for people to enjoy. Durrow really punches above it’s weight,” said the writer and journalist. who was signing her 12th book ‘Pearl’ for fans at the launch 12 years ago.

Below: Deirdre Purcell with Hugh Sheppard at the launch of Durrow Arts Festival in 2011. Photo: Alf Harvey

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Deirdre Purcell passed away aged 77 at her home in Meath. She is survived by her husband Kevin Healy and two sons Adrian and Simon Weckler.