Northern Ireland

Funeral for writer and historian Ulick O'Connor to take place in Dublin

Poet, journalist and historian Ulick O'Connor who has died at the age of 90
Poet, journalist and historian Ulick O'Connor who has died at the age of 90 Poet, journalist and historian Ulick O'Connor who has died at the age of 90

WRITER, historian and poet Ulick O'Connor is to be laid to rest in his home city of Dublin on Friday.

Mr O'Connor died on Monday, aged 90.

A member of Aosdána, an Irish association of artists, he was best known for his biographies of Oliver St John Gogarty and Brendan Behan as well as his studies of the early 20th century Irish troubles and the Irish Literary Revival.

His autobiography The Ulick O'Connor Diaries 1970-1981: A Cavalier Irishman also topped the best seller lists.

Born in Rathgar, Co Dublin, Mr O'Connor practised as a barrister for 15 years during which time he also wrote for a number of newspapers.

His play Executions was shown at Féile an Phobail where he was a regular contributor in the early days of the west Belfast festival.

He also acted as mediator between nationalist and loyalist paramilitaries for the Irish government during an attempt to broker peace talks in the 1970s.

President Michael D Higgins paid tribute to Mr O'Connor and said, "I was proud to have him as a friend."

Mr O'Connor was predeceased by his sister Noirin (Buckley) and brothers Michael, Garrett and Donough.

Requiem mass will take place at the Church of the Three Patrons, Rathgar Road. followed by burial in Deans Grange Cemetery.