22-05-2025
Funeral mass for Paul Durcan taking place in Dublin
The funeral mass is taking place in Dublin of one of Ireland's most renowned contemporary poets Paul Durcan, who died last week aged 80.
A winner of the Whitbread Poetry Prize and the Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Award, his publications include A Snail in My Prime, Crazy About Women, Greetings to our Friends in Brazil, and Cries of an Irish Caveman.
President Michael D Higgins and his wife, Sabina, are among those who are attending requiem mass, which is being being celebrated at St Patrick's Church, Ringsend.
Mr Durcan was a gifted communicator, who was celebrated for his role as a much-loved public voice, breaking barriers with his singular writing and reading style.
He developed a prominent career over the decades, publishing over 20 books.
Mr Durcan will be missed by Nessa, his daughters Sarah and Síabhra, his son Michael, his sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, and his nine grandchildren.
Funeral prayers will be held at St Mary's Church in Westport, Co Mayo tomorrow at 11am, followed by burial in Aughavale Cemetery.
