RIP: 'His legacy will live on'- Michael D Higgins in attendance of Irish poets funeral

Tributes have poured in for Irish poet Paul Durcan who's funeral is being held in Dublin following his recent death at the age of 80.

Michael D Higgins is among guests to attend the well-known poets funeral, according to The Journal.

Funeral prayers will be held at St Mary's Church in Westport in Mayo at 11am on Friday May 23, followed by burial in Aughavale Cemetery afterwards.

Some of Durcan's most iconic poems are A Snail in my Prime, Crazy About Women, Greetings to Our Friends in Brazil and Cries of an Irish Caveman.

Durcan passed away on 17 May 2025 and his RIP.ie tribute piece said:

"He will be sadly missed by Nessa, his daughters Sarah and Síabhra, his son Michael, his sons-in-law, Mark and Blaise, his daughter-in-law, Linden and his grandchildren: Rosie, Kitty, Beatrice, Sonny, Edward, Arthur, Julia, Blaise Søren and Rosa. He will be remembered by his loving family, relatives and friends."

Heartfelt messages have been left on RIP.ie from all over the country, from those who knew and fondly remembered Paul Durcan and from those who appreciated his work, with one mourner writing,

"Condolences to all his family. Greatly appreciated in life. Much praised in death. A national poet of his time."

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Another message said, "Paul was a wonderful poet his legacy will live on," and "Dear Sarah and Siabhra
Sincerest condolences on the passing of your beloved father Paul. May he rest in peace. Paul was a great poet who made his voice and vision accessible to all. He will be hugely missed. Sympathies also to Mark and Blaise and your families."

"I was very sad to hear of Paul's death. To all of Paul's family, friends, fellow poets and writers I offer my sincere sympathy.
I have very nice memories of Paul staying in our house in Inniskeen for the Patrick Kavanagh weekends. He wrote about one of these visits to Inniskeen in his Diaries which Paul himself read out on the Pat Kenny radio show. I bought two of his diaries for my children which he included in his diary. On another stay with us he signed the books and wrote very personal and kind messages to both of them. Thank you. Rest in Peace Paul," another tribute read.