Tributes pour in for influential Irish poet Thomas Kinsella, who has died, aged 93

Tributes are pouring in for Irish poet Thomas Kinsella, who has died, aged 93.

Born in Inchicore in 1928, Kinsella became one of the most lauded poets of his generation – publishing numerous collections of poetry over the course of his life. He is also famed for translating early Irish texts, including The Táin and An Duanaire.

In 2007, he was honoured with the Freedom of the City of Dublin.

Minister for for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin stated that she is "greatly saddened" by Kinsella's passing – describing him as "one of Ireland's most celebrated poets."

"Over the course of a long life, he offered a true poet’s perspective on all aspects of the human condition," she continued. May he rest in peace."

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Alison Gilliland also paid tribute: "His pride in his home city of Dublin shone through his poetry and I extend my sympathies to his family. The Dublin flags on the Mansion House and City Hall will fly at half-mast as mark of respect."

According to Kinsella's death notice, he passed away peacefully at Blackrock Clinic.

He is predeceased by his wife Eleanor, and is survived by his children, Sara, John and Mary.

See more tributes to Thomas Kinsella below:

Thomas Kinsella, giant of Irish letters, died today. We will miss him. "I thought beloved Ferdia would live forever after me - yesterday, a mountain-side; today, nothing but a shade." Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal (pictured at Kennys Bookshop, 1970s) pic.twitter.com/JW7aqWDjNV

— Kennys Bookshop (@KennysBookshop) December 22, 2021

We are deeply saddened by the death of poet, translator and editor Thomas Kinsella, and our thoughts and sympathies are with with his family and friends.
“Dreams fled away, this country bedroom, raw
With the touch of the dawn, wrapped in a minor peace”https://t.co/PnfSuKS13v

— Poetry Ireland (@poetryireland) December 22, 2021

It is with great sadness that the UCD community marks the passing of distinguished poet and graduate Thomas Kinsella.

In 2008 he received the UCD Ulysses Medal in recognition of poetic works which reverberate with what he called ‘established personal places’ - Dublin, his city. https://t.co/HTOaFlZtDq

— University College Dublin (@ucddublin) December 22, 2021

Thomas Kinsella has died.

A poet of Ireland, he reinvigorated Irish poetry. His poem, a Butchers Dozen (linked here), was written in the passionate aftermath of Bloody Sunday. His words were fully vindicated by the Saville Inquiry 40 years later.https://t.co/n9RhInxZ21 pic.twitter.com/btXxgRwf8u

— Seamus Heaney (@HeaneyDaily) December 22, 2021