Deirdre Devine's 'seamless' new collection from Colmcille Press celebrates her poetic life in northwest Ireland

Carrying Light pays tribute to Derry and Donegal luminaries, from Pat Hume to Dinny McLaughlin and from Sr Clare Crockett to Canon McDyer

Deirdre Devine lives in County Derry, overlooking Lough Foyle and the Donegal hills. Born in the village of Culdaff, County Donegal, she studied art in Belfast and taught for several years in Derry. In 2001 Deirdre published Pictures in the Window an illustrated biography of the Culdaff artist Willie Doran. 

Joining the creative writing group in Limavady in 2002, her work has been included in anthologies, both in Donegal and in Northern Ireland. Her first poetry collection In Applause was published in 2014, followed by a second in 2020, Beginning - A Spiritual Journey in Poetry. Carrying Light - A Life in Poetry is her latest collection and is published by Colmcille Press, Derry. 

Growing up in a family of eight children, Deirdre’s parents were the owners of Mc Grory’s Hotel in Culdaff, a venue that has long been known for promoting the cultural and musical life of Inishowen. Though living in County Derry, she returns to Culdaff frequently with her husband and extended family. Carrying Light is a personal tribute to many people from the North West where Deirdre has spent her life and the poems reflect her memories of a place that continues to inspire her imagination.

The late Dinny Mc Laughlin from Buncrana is celebrated in The Fiddler’s Story:

...And what can I say,

but under a moon again, recall

how a tune could lighten the step

of all who had the chance

to be there that night to hear him,

when he made the fiddle dance.

The role of Pat Hume in helping to bring peace to Northern Ireland is also highlighted in Mother of our Peace.

...You bloomed beside him,

calm and faithful gardener of his growth;

host to the table of hospitality,

shoulder for tears of failure or prize.

Deirdre Devine’s interest in spiritual poetry has inspired Clare of Derry, a poem based on the life of Sister Clare Crockett, comparing her growing influence to a ‘…little spring / who rose beyond the city’s walls, / and would become a river full / of grace and love for Him…’

Mary Hayward, Limavady author and poet writes, 'From years of quiet observation, Deirdre Devine documents the miracle of the everyday, the gifts of music, the natural world, the rhythms of birth and death, changing patterns and seasons. People and places are lovingly remembered. She celebrates those who have had an influence on her writing journey; mentors, poets, politicians, playwrights, neighbours, friends and especially "the love that flows unbidden from grandchildren". This collection is quietly spiritual and light flows seamlessly from every page.'

Carrying Light is available from Colmcille Press, priced £9.95.

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