The family of a popular south Derry man who passed away several years ago has published a selection of his own poems to honour his memory.

Greenlough man Willie John McCann died in January 2007 after a short illness leaving a catalogue of poems many of which focus on the people and places he encountered during his lifetime.

‘Looking Back’ has been published by Willie John’s his wife Alice, son Tommy and daughters Geraldine and Maura.

His family published the book after Willie John indicated before his death that he would like to see his work in print with any proceeds raised going to the Greenlough Parish Building Fund.

While some of Willie John’s work is fused with wit and keen social observation, other poems reflect on the deeply personal.

The Greenlough man was predeceased by four sons, Dermot, Sean, Seamus and Paul, which offers a context for some of his poetry.

The oldest of nine children, Willie John was born in Henrystown, between Portglenone and Bellaghy, and lived most of his life in the parish of Greenlough.

His interests extended beyond writing and Willie was a well known local photographer.

In the poetry book’s foreword Willie John’s brother Gerald explained his motivation.

He said: “The subject matter of his poetry reflects his interest in and yearning for the past, particularly his own early life and the vivid images from it that were ever present with him; his fascination with the River Bann; his interest in the people he met and the events that took place in his everyday world; and his reflections on the meaning and purpose of life.

“His membership of Flowerfield Creative Writer’s Group and later of Ballymena Writer’s Group provided him with support and encouragement. His poetry shows his real talent and prompts one to speculate on what he might have achieved if his formal education had been to a higher level.”

Looking back is available from McCann’s Service Station in Porglenone.