Seamus Heaney: The family man whose words spoke to millions

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.

On his coffin lay a foil-wrapped posy of small lilies from his garden, their delicate beauty an easy equal for the big bought bouquets from acquaintances and admirers.

He may have been a celebrated scholar, a noble Nobel Laureate, a guest of kings and kingmakers, but the Seamus Heaney remembered at his funeral Mass was a family man and friend who happened to write poetry that spoke to millions.