The funeral mass of one of Ireland's most renowned contemporary poets Paul Durcan, who died last week aged 80, has taken place in Dublin.
A winner of the Whitbread Poetry Prize and the Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Award, his publications include A Snail in My Prime, Crazy About Women, Greetings to our Friends in Brazil, and Cries of an Irish Caveman.
President Michael D Higgins and his wife, Sabina, were among those attending the requiem mass, which was being being celebrated at St Patrick's Church, Ringsend.
Mr Durcan was a gifted communicator, who was celebrated for his role as a much-loved public voice, breaking barriers with his singular writing and reading style.
He developed a prominent career over the decades, publishing over 20 books.
Mr Durcan will be missed by Nessa, his daughters Sarah and Síabhra, his son Michael, his sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, and his nine grandchildren.
Funeral prayers will be held at St Mary's Church in Westport, Co Mayo tomorrow at 11am, followed by burial in Aughavale Cemetery.
