“His contribution to the republics of letters, conscience, and humanity was immense.”
President Michael D Higgins

“The strength, beauty and character of his words will endure for many generations to come.”
President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso

“Both his stunning work and his life were a gift to the world. His mind, heart, and his uniquely Irish gift for language made him our finest poet of the rhythms of ordinary lives and a powerful voice for peace.”
Former US President Bill Clinton

“Very shocked and deeply saddened to hear that Seamus Heaney, Derry man, poet and Nobel Laureate, has died.”
Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness

“At a time of so much anxious change in our country, he was a star who gave us a true sense of direction.  He cast a warm light into a hundred thousand homes.”
Eamon Ryan, Green Party Leader

“Seamus was a true ambassador of conscience.”
Director of Amnesty International Colm O’Gorman

“Still trying to come to terms with the fact that a giant among men, the great Seamus Heaney is suddenly gone from us. A huge loss to Ireland and to anyone anywhere who appreciates the beauty and power of the word. Your spirit lives on, Seamus!”
Singer Paul Brady

“He crafted through his poetry who we are as a species and the living soil that we toiled in. By doing so he defined our place in the universe.”
Actor Liam Neeson

“Seamus, in peace you’ll set the darkness echoing.”
Actress Mia Farrow

“A great, great poet who changed my life.”
U2 frontman Bono

“Earth receive an honoured guest, Seamus Heaney’s put to rest.”
Actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry