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Final utterances

Long after we depart this life, our last words remain

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times – Letters to the Editor

Sir, – Karl Marx’s attributed last words, “Go on, get out! Last words are for fools who haven’t said enough!”, can’t touch those of my schoolfriend’s grandfather, a feisty old republican (“What would your last words be? Here are some of the best deathbed one-liners,” Opinion, September 14th).

When the family gathered at his deathbed, someone switched off Radío Éireann and they began a decade of the rosary.

Mid-prayer, he stirred, raised himself slightly, and my friend leaned in to catch his final words: “Turn that f**king radio back on. I want to listen to the match.” – Yours, etc,

LEO ENRIGHT,

Temple Bar,

Dublin 2.

Sir, – Reading Joe Humphreys’ piece, I couldn’t help but think of Seamus Heaney’s parting text to his wife, Marie, as acknowledged by their son, Mick, at the funeral service.

“Noli timere” (“Do not be afraid”). – Yours, etc,

PÁDRAIC HARVEY,

An Cheathrú Rua,

Co na Gaillimhe.