“Don’t be afraid” were the last the poet ever used, sending them in a text message to his wife Marie from his hospital bed, just minutes before his death on Friday.

At home his kids called him head-the-ball, their fondness for Seamus Heaney the father more than a match for their awe of him as artist.

Family and friends of Nobel Laureate poet Seamus Heaney have gathered with his contemporaries and dignitaries to pay last respects to one Ireland’s literary greats.

DEAN KELLY denied Donegal side Bonagee United a shock victory over Crumlin United in the FAI Ford Senior Cup second round yesterday.

A TEENAGE soccer fan was foaming at the mouth when he threatened to punch a garda who had directed him to stay off the pitch during an Eircom League match between Bohemians and Galway United at Terryland Park in Galway.