The late beloved Irish poet Seamus Heaney



Glucksman Ireland House NYU has opened a book of condolence for New Yorker to sign in tribute to the late beloved Irish poets Seamus Heaney.

Heaney, a Nobel laureate, was called the greatest Irish poet since William Butler Yeats. He was taken ill recently and died in Dublin on Friday (August 30).

He was laid to rest on Tuesday in a family plot beside his mother Margaret, his father Patrick, and his brother Christopher, whose death as a three-year old child deeply influenced his work. Mourners were led by his widow Marie and children Michael, Christopher and Catherine Ann.

His son Michael thanked those who cared for his father and those who have offered support and praise since his death.

He said “His last few words in a text message he wrote to my mother minutes before he passed away were in his beloved Latin and they read - ‘nolle timere’ (‘don’t be afraid’).”

Irish president Michael D Higgins, Prime Minister Enda Kenny and former president Mary McAleese and her husband Martin were amongst the star studded crowd.

The book of condolences at Gluckman Ireland House will be open to the public from 10am to 5pm (at 1 Washington Mews, NY 10003). For more information visit irelandhouse.fas.nyu.edu.