Mourners attend funeral of Belfast poet Michael Longley

The funeral of acclaimed Belfast poet Michael Longley has taken place in Belfast.

Mr Longley died in hospital at the age of 85 on 22 January.

The poet is survived by his wife Edna and children Rebecca, Daniel and Sarah.

Hundreds attended his funeral service at All Souls Church in Belfast on Saturday.

Mourners included Irish President Michael D Higgins, South Belfast MP Clare Hanna, former North Down MP Lady Sylvia Hermon and Seamus Heaney's widow, Marie Devlin.

A private committal followed at Roselawn Crematorium.

Hands holding up the order of service of Michael Longley. It's a painting of him sitting by the table reading a newspaper in the countryside. It says 'Michael Gorge Longley 27 July 1939-22 January 2025 A Celebration Saturday 1st February 12 Noon All Souls Church Elmwood Avenue, Belfast'
The service was held at All Souls Church in Belfast on Saturday [PA]

'Straight to the heart and soul'

The All Souls Church said its community gave thanks for Longley's life and legacy – and said that his memory and poetry will forever remain a blessing.

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The service was conducted by the Reverend Chris Hudson who told the congregation they were there to share loss and be in solidarity and celebration of a life wonderfully lived.

"Poets such as Longley go straight to the heart and soul," he said.

"He had a great love of music to the point his poetry was inspired by music."

Sylvia is walking not looking at the camera. She has blond shoulder length layered hair and is wearing a black coat and scarf and black leather gloves.  There are blurred out cars in the shot behind.
Lady Sylvia Hermon was among mourners at the funeral [PA Media]

As well as poems and readings, the service also included musical interludes of Longley's favourite songs to highlight his love of music.

The service reflected his love for a wide range of music including Fats Waller's Lulu's back in town and Billie Holiday's I'll be seeing you.

The eulogy was conducted by Fran Brearton who told the congregation it was impossible to remark on poetry without him.

"He understood the need to trust silence," she said.

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"He knew that poetry has to be able to face the worst, as well as the best, of what we are capable of.

"His poetry was often celebrating, always cautionary and in it's deepest sense political."

Marie has white hair, shoulder length. She has brown sunglasses and hoop earrings. She is wearing a black coat and colourful scarf, yellow and black tones.
Marie Devlin, the widow of Seamus Heaney, also attended the funeral [PA Media]

Family members gave reflections and readings at the service, including the poet's son, Michael.

He said his dad would have loved the fuss made of him in his passing and that the outgoing love for him had been overwhelming.

Longley received a number of prestigious awards for his work throughout an illustrious career, including the T.S. Eliot Prize, the Feltrinelli International Prize and the Whitbread Poetry Prize.

He published his first collection of poetry, No Continuing City, when he was 30 years old.

In 1994, he wrote arguably his most famous poem, Ceasefire.

He was appointed CBE in 2010 and awarded the freedom of his native city in 2015 for his contribution to literature and cultural life.

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