From UCD Fran O'Rourke

From: Fran O Rourke [fran.orou...@ucd.ie]
Sent: 14 April 2009 00:10

The philosophical community in Ireland is mourning the sad death of Prof John Cleary (NUI Maynooth and Boston College) who passed away in the early hours of Easter Sunday.

John received a liver transplant last Friday, which his body rejected. He was put on an emergency list but his condition deteriorated and he did not recover from the second transplant operation.

John was a first rate scholar who made an enormous contribution. He will be particularly remembered as initiator of the Boston Area Colloquium for Ancient Philosophy. He was a most honourable person, learned and forthright in his views, sincere and very kind.

Those who knew John marvelled at his courage throughout his prolonged illness, borne with valour and fortitude. The death of his darling wife Breda a few years ago was a severe blow, but he remained positive in spirit and generous in his dedication to colleagues and students throughout an extremely difficult period.

Most recently John participated fully in the Dublin conference celebrating his very good friend Alasdair MacIntyre and was in splendid form; few were aware that at every moment he was on the alert for the hospital call. He spoke at the conference banquet and regaled the attendance with some very funny anecdotes. We will cherish these last memories.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam lách uasal.
Fran O'Rourke
School of Philosophy
University College Dublin
Dublin 4, Ireland