The funeral of acclaimed Belfast poet Michael Longley will take place later. Mr Longley died in hospital at the age of 85 on January 22. His funeral is to take place in All Souls Church in Belfast followed by a private committal at Roselawn Crematorium.
The poet won a number of awards throughout his life including the TS Eliot Prize, the Feltrinelli International Prize and the Whitbread Poetry Prize, and he was made a CBE in 2010 as well as being awarded the freedom of Belfast. The funeral of poet Michael Longley will take place in Belfast on Saturday (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Longley met the Queen when she visited Hillsborough Castle in Co Down last year for a poetry event. Irish President Michael D Higgins led the tributes to Mr Longley after his death, stating he would “be recognised as one of the greatest poets that Ireland has ever produced, and it has long been my belief that his work is of the level that would be befitting of a Nobel Prize for Literature”.
A funeral notice for Mr Longley stated: “Michael will be remembered widely for his warmth, humour, friendship, intellect and his many contributions to the arts on the island of Ireland, in the UK, and across the world. “In particular, his wonderful poems will remain with us always, providing comfort and a continuing close connection to him. “His words will live on forever.
” President of Ireland Michael D Higgins led tributes upon the death of Michael Longley last month (Niall Carson/PA) She added: “He was o.
