'A fascinating life': Tributes to Kilkenny poet, songwriter and storyteller Ned Egan, who has died

Tributes have been paid to the late poet, writer and songwriter Ned Egan, who has passed away peacefully at University Hospital Waterford.

He lived a full and fascinating life. He was born in Baurscoobe, Dunnamaggin, where his parents ran a pub and a farm. It was a poverty-stricken childhood; his father was a gambler, and the young Ned had to overcome countless setbacks with a spirit of independent postivity. He battled many adversities in life, including the tragic death of siblings, and later, children.

As a young man, Mr Egan emigrated to England, and for many years worked on building sites. He then enlisted as a soldier, seeing active duty in the Middle East. He was also stationed in Europe, before eventually emigrating to Australia, working in the mines to make his fortune.

As a licensed explosive detonator, he was very nearly killed in a dynamite blast one year. He ended up in a nine-day coma, losing an eye and deafened in one ear. He was so popular in that vast country that he was made an honourary member of an Aboriginal tribe, before later working as a fishermen on the Western Australian coastline.

Described in later life as a 'creative genius' and the 'Clint Eastwood of storytelling', he produced his first book of poetry in 1980, 'Memories of a Leprechaun', a look at Irish culture and folklore. He returned to Kilkenny in that decade, setting up a copper-etching venture. 

He became well known as a raconteur and songwriter, popular with all. He toured around the US with the Wolfe Tones, and in 2004 published 'Sex and Death - Green, White and Gold'.

In 2017, he directed the action to the music of his many songs in a new film that also highlighted his native county and city, featuring a considerable amount of local singing talent. He had songs recorded by The Dublin City Ramblers, Annmarie O’Riordan, and Patsy Watchorn – who put his composition – “Luke’s Song” - on his top 20 of all time list.

Tributes on RIP described him as 'a gentlemen,a gifted storyteller,and a great Irishman'.

Ned Egan, 142 Walkin Street, Kilkenny, and formerly of Baurscoobe, Dunnamaggin, Co Kilkenny and Perth, Western Australia.

He was pre-deceased by his daughter Noreen, sons Ned and Sean. Deeply regretted by his loving family, daughters Terry, Kelly and Colleen, sons Rory and Ryan, their mother Shirley, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours, relatives and friends.

Reposing in Molloy’s Funeral Home, Callan (Eircode R95 Y443) on Friday evening, September 6, from 5pm to 7pm.

Cremation will take place on Saturday, September 7, at The Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy, Cork at 2pm. (Eircode P43 DD71)