Irish writer Philip Casey has died aged 67.
Throughout his long-running career, the acclaimed author published a series of much-loved works including four collections of poetry and a trilogy of novels.
His first poetry collection, Those Distant Summers, was published in 1980 and was followed by After Thunder, The Year of the Knife and Dialogue in Fading Light.
His trilogy of novels began with The Fabulists in 1995. The second in the collection, The Water Star, was published in 1999, with The Fisher Child concluding the trilogy in 2001. He also released Tried and Sentenced, featuring selected poems, and a novel for children, The Coupla.
Casey was the founder and editor of website Irish Writers Online which provides details about Irish writers.
Born in London in 1950 to Irish parents from Laois and Sligo, Casey was raised in Ireland and lived in Dublin since the 1970s.
President Michael D. Higgins released a statement about the much-loved writer's death, saying: "It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death of Philip Casey, one of Ireland's finest poets and novelists, and distinguished member of Aosdána.
"Philip Casey was a treasured author who produced a magnificent body of work that enriched Irish writing. His poetry gave voice to every aspect of life; joy, pain, hope, justice and love in its many forms.
"His generous nature, his humour and his literary talents will be missed by all those who were familiar with his work or were privileged to call him a friend.
"To his brothers Peter and John and his sister Karina, his colleagues and friends, Sabina and I send our deepest sympathy.
"Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam dílis."
People have been paying tribute to the writer on Twitter, saying he was "a gentleman", "an inspiration" and "one of Ireland's most gifted writers".
We are deeply sad to learn of Philip Casey's passing. A, gentleman, a friend and an inspiration, Philip was also one of Ireland's finest contemporary poets.
— The Pickled Body (@ThePickledBody) February 5, 2018
So sorry to hear of the death of Philip Casey. Here is his poem 'Daily Bread', which brings a little light back to the day @poetryireland @PoetryProgRTE pic.twitter.com/fwjIvVE5Si
— Lucy Collins (@lcollins232) February 5, 2018
Our friend the beloved poet Philip Casey died yesterday. Words can’t express what his loss means. @PoetryProgRTE @poetryireland @poetryjukebox @CelizMurray @ursulabyrne5 @JohnBurnsST @TheGlossMag @EleanorHooker_ @tessbarry88 @thegaffer2015
— Mary O'Donnell (@maryodonnell03) February 5, 2018
A huge loss to the universe as an inspirational truly unique beautiful human departs to the next chapter.. a friend an inspiration and s truly magnificent human will never forget you my friend may you find eternal peace love and happiness and please keep us on track@Philip_Casey
— shane doyle (@shan3d0yl3) February 4, 2018
Sad news earlier tonight of death of Irish writer Philip Casey-born in Eng. to Irish parents in1950-raised there & on their return to Ireland near Screen & then outside Gorey in Co.Wexford-a Dub by further inclination-a man of wit & indomitable kindness-resilience-heart of a lion
— Catherine Walsh (@gurriersread) February 5, 2018
Truly saddened by the news of the passing of this wonderful, courteous and generous human being @Philip_Casey a writer and poet of such great power #RIP https://t.co/flQsmd8J8J
— Mark Curran (@MarkJCurran) February 5, 2018
Very sad indeed to hear of the death of Philip Casey - a fine writer and founder and editor of Irish Writers Online https://t.co/lsV2GaVzif
— Irish Literary Times (@IrishLitTimes) February 4, 2018
Really sad to hear last night of the passing of @Philip_Casey, a friend from many campaigns over the years. Not only one of Ireland's most gifted writers but a fighter for workers and the oppressed around the world. A thoroughly humane influence on all those who met him.
— Ronan Burtenshaw (@ronanburtenshaw) February 5, 2018
