I am so sad this week at the death of my dear friend and fellow writer Larry O’ Loughlin.  We have been friends for more years than I can remember. Larry, a big man with the kindest heart and wisest words had a great sense of fun and mischief. Kids and adults alike adored him and were drawn to him. Passionate about writing Larry wrote everything from witty and fun rhymes and stories for little kids  ‘Worms Can’t Fly,’ ‘The Yuckee Prince’  to challenging fiction for young adults ‘Breaking the Silence’ and ‘ Is Anybody Listening?’ . He loved visiting schools and meeting and encouraging young readers and writers.

He was also a talented playwright.Actor Stephen Jones giving an incredible performance, in his powerful stage play ‘100 More Like These‘ was based on the  Irish Soldiers, many of whom  fled famine Ireland only to find themselves having to enlist in the American  army.    A large group of 500 of them led by John Riley deserted it during The Mexican – American War (1846- 1888) and instead fought on the Mexican side. They were known as the San Patricio’s.

Then there was the brilliant and hilarious Stone Mountain Band musical with Larry even writing all the music for it.

He cared deeply about the world and making it a better place for everyone.  He was a joy to spend time with and I loved meeting up with him and talking to him. I was blessed to have had such a friend. My thoughts at this time are with his wife Monica and children Roisin, Sean, Aislinn and Sinead and all his much loved grand- children.

      Sad by Larry O’Loughlin

It is sad to think that lots of toys

that moms and dads buy girls and boys

are made by little girls and boys

who never get to play with them.

Poem from ‘Something Beginning with P’, A book of New Poems from Irish Poets published by O Brien Press.

Larry O’Loughlin and I with writer Don Conroy and his daughter Sarah at Launch Party in RIAC Club, Dublin

Larry and I in ‘Halfway Up the Stairs’ Children’s Bookshop in Greystones.