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,
RM Block
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.
