Acclaimed poet Gerald Dawe dies after battling a long illness

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to the poet Gerald (Gerry) Dawe, who has died aged 72.

The critically acclaimed Belfast-born poet and academic has died after battling a long illness. 

He died at home in the care of his family, after a long illness, fought with “bravery and conviction”.

Gerald was a highly regarded artist and scholar, a Fellow Emeritus of Trinity College Dublin (TCD), and the 28th recipient of the Lawrence O'Shaughnessy Prize for Poetry, awarded in 2024.

The author published 13 collections, including Another Time, which was published by The Gallery Press.

Since the sad news broke out, tributes have been pouring in for the poet, who has been described as a “wise and gentle” spirit.

Gerry Dawe was the inaugural director of TCD’s Oscar Wilde Centre.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of poet Gerry Dawe who along with Brendan Kennelly founded the Trinity Oscar Wilde Centre in 1997. Gerry's legacy is profound and long-lasting, and his wise and gentle spirit will be sorely missed,” Trinity Oscar Wilde Centre wrote in tribute.

Peter Fallon of The Gallery Press wrote in tribute: “Forty years since we met and Gallery published the first of nine books. I’ll miss his honesty, his seriousness and his laughter. To his beloved Dorothea, to Olwen and Iarla, we send heartfelt condolences.”

Gerald is mourned deeply by his loving wife, Dorothea, beloved daughter Olwen, stepson Iarla, sister Pamela, niece Jennifer and nephew Paul, sister-in-law Rosemary and her family in Australia, as well as his many friends and colleagues.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Professor Ray McDermott, and the oncology unit at Saint Vincent’s Private Hospital, as well as the public health and palliative care provided to Gerald during his recent illness.

A celebration of Gerald’s life will take place in the National Maritime Museum of Ireland, Dún Laoghaire, at 2pm on Thursday, June 6.