Poets and politicians gather for writer who ‘touched the soul and imagination of many’ – The Irish Times

Beloved Irish Poet Michael Longley laid to Rest

On a radiant St. Brigid’s Day, thousands gathered in Belfast to pay their respects to acclaimed Irish poet Michael Longley. The city church reverberated with moving eulogies and poems, paying tribute to a man whose words resonated deeply with peopel across generations. Longley, who passed away at the age of 85 following complications from a hip operation, is remembered as a master craftsperson of language.

The funeral was a poignant celebration of Longley’s life and work, attended by a distinguished crowd of literary figures and political leaders. Thay came to honor a man who wasn’t just a gifted poet but also a compassionate soul deeply connected to his Irish heritage.

Longley’s connection to nature and the Irish landscape permeated his poetry, painting vivid pictures with his words. In his most famous poem, “Ceasefire,” he captured a pivotal moment in Northern Ireland’s peace process, weaving a tapestry of hope and resilience.

Dr. Fiona Brearton, a close friend and esteemed literary scholar, shared her insights into Longley’s enduring legacy. She reflected on his unwavering commitment to traditional poetic forms and his ability to imbue them with fresh energy and meaning.

“His funeral was a lovely celebration of his life,” Dr. Brearton remarked. “What message do you think his legacy sends to aspiring poets today?”

Longley’s work continues to inspire and move readers today,serving as a testament to the enduring power of poetry. His commitment to his craft, his deep connection to his heritage, and his unwavering belief in the transformative power of words leaves behind a legacy that will continue to resonate for generations to come.

Remembering Michael Longley: A Poet Who Shaped Ireland

Michael Longley, a poet celebrated for his insightful observations and lyrical mastery, was laid to rest in Belfast.his funeral, held at All Souls Church, drew dignitaries, fellow writers, and countless admirers, all united in mourning the loss of a literary giant. Ireland’s President, Michael D. Higgins, aptly described Longley as “a peerless poet,” a testament to the profound impact he had on Irish culture.

The somber occasion, held midway between the winter solstice and spring equinox, resonated with symbolic importance. Those gathered witnessed not only a farewell but also a celebration of Longley’s enduring legacy. Among them were dignitaries, including the Taoiseach’s aide-de-camp and a representative of the British monarchy, alongside prominent figures like local MP Claire Hanna. The poignant service also featured Longley’s own family: his wife, Edna, a renowned literary critic, and their children, Rebecca, Daniel, and Sarah. Each child took turns reading their father’s poems, offering intimate glimpses into the depths of his creativity.

Reverend Chris Hudson, the minister officiating the service, spoke of Longley’s profound connection to faith, despite his secular outlook. “Michael the poet was a secular priest,” he noted. “‘Soul’ and ‘Jesus’ appeared in much of his verse, and several poems are set in churches and cathedrals. He may not have seen too much distinction between a poem and a prayer.”

the congregation itself mirrored the breadth of Longley’s influence, drawing luminaries from across Ireland’s literary landscape. Poets theo dorgan, Frank Ormsby, Nick Laird, Medbh McGuckian, and Leontia Flynn graced the gathering, alongside writers Bernard MacLaverty, Martin Lynch, Patricia Craig, and Peter McDonald. Artists, cultural figures, and friends united in remembrance, reflecting the profound impact Longley’s words had woven into their lives.

An Interview With Dr. Fiona Brearton

The literary world recently bid farewell to renowned poet Michael Longley, a man whose words breathed life into evocative landscapes and delved into the profound beauty of nature and the enduring power of memory. Dr.Fiona Brearton, a respected literature professor at Queen’s University Belfast and a close friend of Longley’s for over three decades, offers poignant insights into the life and work of this cherished poet.

Longley’s funeral was a lovely tribute, filled with readings from his work that highlighted his lifelong connection to ireland. His son, Daniel, read an excerpt from the poem “Detour,” a piece that encapsulates Longley’s deep-rooted love for his homeland:

“I want my funeral to include this detour / Down the single street of a small market town
On either side of the procession such names
As Philbin, O’Malley, MacNamara, Kean.“

Dr. Brearton, reflecting on Longley’s legacy, describes his poetry as “a song of the earth with a profound sense of the landscape, some of which has changed immeasurably.” A particular place that held a special place in Longley’s heart was Carrigskeewaun, a remote townland in Mayo, which served as a muse for a important portion of his writing.

Music also played a central role in Longley’s life and was seamlessly interwoven into the funeral service. Selections ranged from the classical beauty of Bach’s “Aria from Goldberg Variations” and Chopin’s “Prelude No. 1 in A major,” to the lively rhythms of fats Waller’s “Lulu’s Back In Town” and Billie Holiday’s “I’ll Be Seeing You.” These diverse choices exemplified Longley’s wide-ranging musical taste and offered a poignant backdrop to the ceremony.

As the service concluded, Longley’s granddaughter, Maisie Rendall, played a spirited rendition of “The Last Rose of Summer,” bidding farewell to the beloved poet as his coffin was carried from the church. Longley’s life’s work, including his recent collection “Ash Keys, New Selected Poems,” published on his 85th birthday, continues to inspire and enrich readers everywhere, serving as a testament to his enduring legacy.

Remembering Michael Longley: A Poet Inspired by Nature and Roots

The literary world mourns the passing of renowned poet Michael Longley,a man whose words wove evocative landscapes and delved into the profound beauty of nature and the enduring power of memory. His funeral, a recent celebration of a life dedicated to his craft, showcased the profound impact Longley had on those who knew him and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.

Longley’s son, Daniel, during the service, read a passage from his father’s poem “Detour,” a poignant piece that resonated deeply with those gathered. The lines captured Longley’s profound connection to his Irish roots:

“I want my funeral to include this detour / Down the single street of a small market town
On either side of the procession such names
As Philbin,O’Malley,MacNamara,Kean.“

Dr. Fiona Brearton, a respected literature professor at Queen’s University Belfast and a close friend of Longley’s for over three decades, spoke at the service, offering insightful reflections on Longley’s work. She described his poetry as “a song of the earth with a profound sense of the landscape, some of which has changed immeasurably,” emphasizing the depth of his connection to the natural world. A particular place that held a special place in Longley’s heart was Carrigskeewaun,a remote Mayo townland,which served as a muse for a significant portion of his writing.

Longley’s love for music was equally profound, and it played a central role in the funeral service. Every selection – from the classical beauty of Bach’s “Aria from Goldberg Variations” and Chopin’s “Prelude No. 1 in A major,” to the lively rhythms of Fats Waller’s “Lulu’s Back in Town” and Billie Holiday’s “I’ll Be Seeing You” – reflected the breadth of his musical taste, providing a poignant backdrop to the somber occasion. Longley’s granddaughter, maisie Rendall, brought the service to a close with a rousing rendition of “The Last Rose of Summer,” bidding farewell to the beloved poet.

Longley’s life’s work, including his recent collection “Ash Keys, New Selected Poems,” published on his 85th birthday, continues to inspire and enrich readers everywhere. It stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and his profound ability to capture the essence of nature, memory, and the human experience in his words.

Michael Longley: A Bard of Nature and Peace

Michael Longley, a renowned poet whose work captured the essence of the Irish landscape and the complexities of his homeland’s history, left an indelible mark on the literary world. Dr. Brearton, a close friend and admirer, believes that Longley’s legacy is multifaceted. “He was a master craftsman, a poet who effortlessly blended insightful observations with lyrical language,” she says. But beyond the technical brilliance,it was Longley’s deep-seated connection to nature,to the very soul of Ireland,that truly set his work apart. His poems often served as windows into a world both familiar and wondrous, filled with the vibrant sounds of birdsong, the intoxicating scent of wildflowers, and the untamed beauty of the Irish coast. Through his words, he taught us to truly see, to appreciate the poetry inherent in the everyday.

Longley’s commitment to poetry extended beyond his personal connection to the natural world. He was deeply drawn to traditional forms like sonnets and villanelles, viewing them as frameworks for exploration and play with language. “While he could write in a free verse style, Michael was deeply drawn to traditional forms like sonnets and villanelles,” Dr. Brearton explains.”For him, these structures provided a framework for exploration, a way to play with language and form while still conveying profound emotion. He considered himself a traditionalist in the sense that he believed in the enduring power of these timeless structures.”

Perhaps no poem encapsulates the depth and breadth of Longley’s legacy more than his powerful piece, “Ceasefire.” Marking a pivotal moment in the Northern Ireland peace process, the poem speaks not only of the cessation of violence but also of the possibility of reconciliation and renewal. “Michael never shied away from the realities of life in Northern Ireland. He grappled with the complexities of history,the pain of division,and the yearning for peace. But he always did so with a profound sense of hope, a belief in the transformative power of words,” Dr. Brearton observes. ““Ceasefire” exemplifies this – it’s a poem that speaks not only of the end of violence but also of the possibility of reconciliation and renewal. it’s a testament to his belief in the human spirit’s capacity for change.”

Longley’s funeral was a beatiful celebration of a life dedicated to the craft and power of poetry. It stands as a testament to his enduring influence and offers a powerful message to aspiring poets today: embrace both craft and conscience. Write with precision and care, but also with heart and purpose. Find beauty in the world around us, celebrate its wonders, and use your voice to speak truth to power, explore the complexities of the human experience, and ultimately leave the world a little brighter than you found it.

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