Michael Longley, the beloved Irish poet, has died at 85, leaving behind a rich legacy of poetry and heartfelt tributes from admirers.
Irish President Michael D. Higgins shared heartfelt tributes, highlighting Longley’s incredible talent and the warmth of his character. Born in 1939, he grew up in Belfast and later studied classics at Trinity College in Dublin.
It was there he met Edna, his future wife. They tied the knot in the mid-60s and returned to Belfast, where they built a life together. Longley published his first poetry collection, “No Continuing City,” when he was just 30.
His most famous work, “Ceasefire,” came out in 1994 and really showcased his unique voice. Over the years, he received numerous awards, including the Feltrinelli International Poetry Prize in 2022.
His poetry won several prestigious accolades, like the T.S. Eliot Prize and the Griffin International Prize. In 2001, he was honored with the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry, and in 2010, he was appointed a CBE.
Mr. Higgins praised Longley, saying he was a peerless poet with a generous heart. He believed Longley’s work deserved a Nobel Prize for Literature, noting its depth and emotional range.
Longley’s poems captured the human experience beautifully, reflecting on love, loss, and the resilience of nature. His legacy will surely live on through his words. More updates to come.
