Poet Seamus Heaney Dies

Alliance Culture spokesperson Anna Lo MLA has expressed her sadness at the death of poet Seamus Heaney, 74.

Anna Lo MLA said: "I am greatly saddened by the death of Seamus Heaney. He was one of my heroes and favourite poets. I greatly admired his work and on several times I had the privilege of listening to him during a reading of his poems.

"I met him several times and on each occasion I could not help but be inspired by his enthusiasm for culture. There are many poets in the world who would not have taken up writing had it not been for Seamus Heaney.

"Northern Ireland has lost a cultural icon. He was one of the greatest writers, not just in Northern Ireland but in the world."

SDLP MLA for Mid-Ulster Patsy McGlone has also said he is deeply saddened by the news that Seamus Heaney has passed away.

Mr McGlone said: "I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Seamus Heaney who leaves a tremendous cultural legacy to the people not just of his native South Derry but to the literary world.

"Seamus Heaney was the voice of this community, a man of the people who knew his community well and reflected the history and cultural richness of that community.

"I remember him calling into my father's business when I was younger and being struck by his humility. The last occasion I spoke to him was at Anahorish School, a place which inspired much of his poetry.

"My sincerest sympathies go to the Heaney and Devlin families at this time. We will continue to be inspired no doubt by the great canon of literary work which is his legacy. Sar fhile, duine den scoth, ar lámh dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

(CD)