RTÉ Arena celebrated the life and work of Galway poet Kevin Higgins, who has died aged 55, with a recording of him reading his poem The Piece With The Drums - listen above.
"Kevin was a poet who had read enormously widely of the work of poets writing in English, Irish and from different countries," said President Michael D. Higgins in a statement. "His work includes that published by Salmon Poetry in collections such as 'The Boy With No Face', ‘Time Gentlemen, Please’, ‘Frightening New Furniture’, ‘The Ghost In The Lobby’ and ‘Sex and Death at Merlin Park Hospital’ – were valuable contemporary contributions that had a directness to it that was unsparing, but not at a cost of finely worked poems.
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Listen: Kevin Higgins reads My Wishes For You
President Higgins added: "Indeed, I cannot think of anyone who did more to bring the public to appreciation and joy of poetry, to make the case for performed poetry, and who encouraged others to read broadly and, most of all, to make poems and find their meaning in their lives.
"He gave generously to so many through his poetry workshops, poetry slams and creative writing classes in Galway Arts Centre, GMIT and the University of Galway."
Read Kevin Higgins' final poem below.
Kevin Higgins an iconic Irish poet died of leukemia 6 days ago. He wrote his last poem from his hospital bed. He was an old fashioned, unapologetic, socialist when the word meant something. Here is his poem: pic.twitter.com/CsOXdC1uLY
— lorraine (@slothandcoffee) January 20, 2023
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