Seamus Heaney - Nobel Prize

Nobel Prize

In October 1995 Seamus Heaney became the fourth Irish writer to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. However when the announcement was made public, the poet and his wife Marie were on holidays in Greece and could not be located. In Ireland there was huge delight at the win and the Heaneys' children, Michael, Christopher and Catherine, were inundated with calls from around the world seeking the new Nobel Laureate.

They Seek Him Here...

When it was announced that Seamus Heaney had won the Nobel Prize for Literature, the poet was uncontactable in Greece. Unable to speak to Heaney himself, "Morning Ireland" sought the reaction of the President of Harvard University, Neil Rudenstine.

Reaction In Dublin To News Of Nobel Win

Christopher and Catherine Heaney talk to RTÉ about their father's win. Elsewhere in Dublin, a number of others give their opinions, including Peter Sirr, Director of the Irish Writers' Centre, Cormac Kinsella of Waterstone's and Trinity College students.

Delight In Derry For Seamus Heaney

Here is reaction in Derry from family, friends, neighbours and St Columb's College to the news of a Nobel Prize for Seamus Heaney. His old friend Henry Gribben recalls the teenage Seamus showing him an early poem at his grandmother's wake.

"It Is An Awesome Dimension Of A Thing To Have Happened"

RTÉ's Tommy Gorman interviews Seamus Heaney in Greece where the poet has been on holidays unaware of all the excitement. Seamus Heaney discusses his win and recites a poem from "Clearances" about peeling potatoes with his mother.

Arriving Back In Dublin

Seamus and Marie Heaney arrive back in Dublin where they are greeted by their children and the Taoiseach, John Bruton.

President Greets Seamus Heaney

President Mary Robinson welcomes Seamus Heaney to Áras an Uachtaráin. She expresses her wish that winning the prize will act as a form of liberation.

"There Is No Such Thing As A Free Nobel Prize"

Seamus and Marie Heaney tell Gay Byrne how they heard the news of the Nobel Prize win. The poet also talks about his critics and his fellow writers in Ireland and abroad.

Seamus Heaney Receives Nobel Prize

RTÉ News reports from Stockholm where Seamus Heaney is presented with the Nobel Prize for Literature.