At the funeral mass of Edna O’Brien held on Saturday at St Joseph’s Church in Tuamgraney, Co Clare, Irish president Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina Coyne were among the mourners. O’Brien, a celebrated Irish writer known for her novels, poetry, plays, memoirs and short stories, passed away at 93 after a long battle with an illness.
A violinist and cellist played music prior to the commencement of the funeral mass. O’Brien’s son, Marcus Gebler, spoke at the service expressing the inherent motive behind his mother’s work. He emphasized that his mother’s work was meant to “shine a light and inspire, motivating and giving voice to those who grappled with speaking up”.
Gebler was greatly touched by the outpouring of tributes from various corners of the world after her death. He said that most writers peak with their first book, but his mother’s writing prowess kept soaring as she drew inspiration from the evolution of women from 1940s Ireland, and their experiences and tribulations, which she used for her work all the way into the 90s in Bosnia or Nigeria. He was of the belief that his mother’s works have always inspired and will continue to inspire people, giving them courage and serving as a voice for those muted.
A poem penned by Gebler in his mother’s memory was read out to the attendees, earning a round of applause. Gebler became visibly moved while sharing the wisdom he received at his son, Oscar’s birth from a doctor. He was advised to shower Oscar with love the most and all the time, which he believes is exactly what they received from her.
The funeral procession saw family and friends honouring O’Brien with various items that held importance to her. Her grandson, Oscar, presented the French Legion of Honour she received to commemorate a “lifetime of unparalleled achievement”. Other items of importance included a statue of Buddha given by her niece, reflecting O’Brien’s spiritual nature and her journey through several faiths, one of them being Buddhism.
O’Brien, a renowned author with Irish roots, was celebrated by her friends, one of whom possessed a copy of “Ulysses” by James Joyce, while another presented a portrait of the late Samuel Beckett, a buddy of O’Brien. The commemorative service had the presence of Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara. Additionally, the hymn “The Lord’s My Shepherd” was sung during this gathering.
O’Brien’s work majorly dealt with the struggle of women under the suppressive expectations of Irish society. “The Country Girls”, her first novel published in 1960, was part of a trilogy that faced a ban in Ireland due to its explicit sexual references and controversial social issues.
Despite living in London since 1958, O’Brien recounted the public outrage her novel saw in Ireland in sharp contrast to its worldwide acceptance.