The death has been announced of the poet Maurice Scully.
Regarded as one of the foremost modernist Irish poets, Scully was a member of Aosdána. For 25 years, his work was devoted to a single vast project under the overall title of Things That Happen, which consists of 5 Freedoms of Movement, Livelihood, Sonata, and Tig, a coda to the whole work.
Other books include Love Poems & Others, The Basic Colours, Priority, Steps, Doing the Same in English, A Tour of the Lattice, Several Dances and A Line of Tiny Zeros in the Fabric.
The Board, Director and Staff of Poetry Ireland wish to express their deepest sympathy with the Scully family on the death of Maurice Scully. Regarded as one of the foremost modernists of his generation.
— Poetry Ireland (@poetryireland) March 6, 2023
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. pic.twitter.com/sLmYEmhgll
Maurice Scully was born in Dublin in 1952 and spent his childhood between Clare, the Ring Gaeltacht, and Dublin. He attended Trinity College in Dublin.
Maurice Scully has passed away. A terrible loss for poetry. An enormous body of work he's left us. Here is one of my favourites. A challenging book, but one I return to again and again. pic.twitter.com/uJcnXD5SOG
— David Toms (@daithitoms) March 6, 2023
After many years living in Italy, Greece, Africa and the west of Ireland, Scully settled with his wife and four children in Dublin, where he taught for a time at Dublin City University.
I'm devastated to hear that Maurice Scully has died. Those who knew him will fondly remember his generosity, wit and friendship, and those who didn’t will feel like they did from reading his work. A truly great poet and a wonderful person. His loss will be keenly felt by so many. pic.twitter.com/eEzwpyTFSV
— will fleming (@wellflem) March 6, 2023
Prof. Kevin Rafter, Chair of the Arts Council, said: "The Arts Council is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of renowned poet Maurice Scully. His writing displayed tremendous sensitivity and empathy, earning him loyal readers across the world. His death is a great loss to Irish literature."
Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council, commented: "Maurice Scully was an esteemed poet and member of Aosdána. He made a wide and rich contribution to writing over his long career. He will be sadly missed but his legacy will endure and we send our deepest condolences to his family and friends."
Watch: Maurice Scully reads his poem On a Light Ground: Eye Dance
