Renowned poet Michael Longley, celebrated for his ability to touch hearts with his words, was laid to rest on Saturday. His funeral, attended by prominent figures including President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, honored his legacy as one of Ireland's greatest poets.
Acclaimed Belfast poet Michael Longley , whose words resonated deeply with people, was laid to rest on Saturday. His funeral, held at All Souls Church in Belfast, was attended by mourners including President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Micheal Martin's representative, and SDLP leader Claire Hanna.
Longley, who passed away at the age of 85 on January 22, was celebrated for his numerous accolades, including the TS Eliot Prize, the Feltrinelli International Prize, and the Whitbread Poetry Prize. He was also recognized with a CBE in 2010 and the freedom of Belfast.Among his most celebrated works is the 1994 poem Ceasefire, inspired by the ceasefires in his native Northern Ireland and the enduring search for peace and reconciliation. Longley even had the opportunity to meet Queen Camilla during a poetry event at Hillsborough Castle in Co Down last year. Reverend Chris Hudson from All Souls Church highlighted Longley's ability to connect with people on a profound level. He stated, 'That is a noble place for the poet to be,' adding, 'The poet touches the soul of people. Preachers and politicians can make speeches or sermons that use thousands of words to touch our imagination, but the poet can manage with few yet go straight to the heart, such as Michael.'President Higgins himself paid tribute to Longley following his death last month, declaring him 'one of the greatest poets that Ireland has ever produced' and expressing his belief that Longley's work deserved a Nobel Prize for Literature. Roisin McDonough, the chief executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, echoed these sentiments, calling Longley a 'towering figure' of Northern Ireland arts for six decades. She affirmed his status as 'one of our truly great poets, one of the most respected and influential of his generation,' placing him alongside literary giants like Heaney, Carson, and Mahon. She concluded, 'We have lost a guide, a friend, an inspiration, but his poetry will last – and it will be cherished by generations to come.' Longley is survived by his wife Edna, and their children Rebecca, Daniel, and Sarah
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Beloved Belfast Poet Michael Longley Dies at 85Renowned Belfast poet Michael Longley has passed away at the age of 85. He was a celebrated figure in the literary world, winning numerous awards including the TS Eliot Prize, the Feltrinelli International Prize, and the Whitbread Poetry Prize. His most famous work, 'Ceasefire,' was inspired by the peace process in Northern Ireland. Irish President Michael D Higgins eulogized Longley, calling him 'one of the greatest poets that Ireland has ever produced' and praising his generosity and beautiful writing.
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