The communities of Hannahstown and Belfast are mourning the loss of two remarkable individuals: Daryl Fegan, beloved member of the Lámh Dhearg GAA club, and Michael Longley, one of Ireland's most revered poets.
Daryl Fegan, who sadly passed away after battling illness, will be laid to rest tomorrow, January 30, at St Joseph’s Church, Hannahstown. He was remembered by his club as “one of nature’s true gentlemen with a heart of gold.” Daryl had been associated with the club since age ten, and his contributions to sports were nothing short of legendary.
Fegan played pivotal roles on various teams, including being part of the historic championship-winning sides for the minor football and hurling panels and the under-21 football championship side, all back in 1992. His senior playing career included participation in three senior football championship finals—2003, 2005, and 2008. Under his guidance, the senior hurling team earned promotion to Division One status.
Beyond his playing career, Daryl transitioned to coaching, demonstrating his commitment to nurturing the next generation of players. His coaching tenure culminated successfully as he led the Senior Hurling team to victory in Division 4.
An enduring legacy left by Daryl was the construction of a memorial bench at the club's pitch, inscribed with the message: 'In loving memory of those who have gone before us and had the pleasure of wearing the jersey. The spirit of '92 will never die.' This tribute expresses his deep appreciation for the camaraderie and spirit shared among his fellow players.
Meanwhile, Northern Irish poet Michael Longley passed away on January 22, 2025, at the age of 85, also leaving behind a legacy defined by warmth and lyricism. His family confirmed his passing, noting he departed “surrounded by his family, music, love, and poetry.” Longley was not only celebrated for his writings, but he was also seen as a cultural figure who brought communities together through literature.
Despite receiving less publicity than his contemporary Seamus Heaney, Longley's work has received significant accolades. President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins referred to him as “a peerless poet” and emphasized his potential worthiness of the Nobel Prize for Literature, praising the poignancy of his exploration of themes ranging from loss to the beauty of nature.
Longley was born to English parents in Belfast in 1939, where he began his literary career at Trinity College Dublin. Over the span of his career, he published over 40 poetry collections. His most notable work, "Ceasefire," was written during the turbulent times of 'The Troubles' and remains one of his defining pieces.
Longley’s contributions to literature were recognized on multiple occasions, including being awarded the Freedom of the City of Belfast. Claire Hanna MP, who proposed the award, described him as “a prince of the English language” and highlighted both his literary prowess and personal kindness. Longley himself eloquently stated the role of poetry: to make people more human, sensitive, and emotionally aware.
The penultimate acknowledgement of his influence came from many within the literary and political spheres, who echoed sentiments of his heartfelt prose and the impact it had on fostering social reconciliation. His family’s statement underscored the warmth, humor, and intellect he brought to his relationships.
Michael Longley’s funeral service will take place on February 1, 2025, at All Souls Church, Elmwood Avenue. Following the ceremony, there will be a private committal at Roselawn Crematorium.
Both Daryl Fegan and Michael Longley are being remembered not just for their individual contributions but for the lasting impact they had on their communities. Fegan’s dedication to sports and coaching inspired countless others, instilling values of teamwork and perseverance. Meanwhile, Longley’s poetry continues to shape the literary world, joining hearts through shared experiences of loss and resilience.