Watch: Brendan Kennelly recites much-loved poem 'Begin'

President Michael D Higgins also paid his respects to the Kerry poet and said he enjoyed 'the gift of friendship with Brendan Kennelly for many years'

Brendan Kennelly, one of the country’s most popular poets and a former professor of English at Trinity College Dublin, wh died yesterday aged 85.

Figures from the worlds of the arts, politics, and academia have paid tribute to Brendan Kennelly, who died yesterday aged 85. 

Formerly professor of modern literature in Trinity College, and holding the title of Professor Emeritus since his retirement, Professor Kennelly had returned to his home county of Kerry for some years by the time of his death.