Kevin Ireland 1933-2023

Graeme Lay remembers his long-time friend and colleague Kevin Ireland, writer, poet, translator and wit.

Kevin Ireland, writer, was born Kevin Jowsey, in Auckland, and grew up on the city’s North Shore. He attended Takapuna Grammar School, then travelled overseas. In 1963, his first book of poetry, Face to Face, was published. Several other collections followed. Although written while he was overseas, all were published in New Zealand. He returned to this country in 1985 and for the next four decades established himself as one of our most illustrious writers.

How to pay fitting tribute to someone who has published 27 books of poetry, plus six novels, a collection of short stories and three volumes of memoir? A daunting prospect, but as someone who has known Kevin as a friend and colleague for 38 years, at least I’m suitably placed to try.

For me, Kevin’s reputation preceded him. From his then-home in London, he wrote regularly to his elderly mentor in Takapuna, Frank Sargeson, who relished Kevin’s witty letters. One day in 1978, when I visited Frank at his home, he read one out to me. A new Pope had just been chosen. Frank waved an aerogramme. “Heard from Kevin again today. He mentions the new Pope.” Frank read from the aerogramme. “Kevin writes, ‘Pope … John … Paul … Why didn’t they choose John, Paul, George and Ringo?’” Frank roared with laughter.