Heinrich Böll Memorial Weekend 2025 | 80 at 80: Celebrating Paul Durcan’s Poetry

To mark the 80th birthday of one of Ireland’s most beloved poets, Paul Durcan, this special evening at St Thomas’ Church celebrated his extraordinary literary career through readings of his much-loved poems by fellow poets and admirers.

For over fifty years, Paul Durcan has captivated readers with poetry that is deeply personal, richly spiritual, and deeply connected to both Ireland’s private and public life. His work spans tender love poems, surreal narratives, political reflections, and poignant meditations on family, faith, and national identity. Whether addressing headline events — the Northern Troubles, Mary Robinson’s election, or global moments like the rise of Pope Francis — or exploring intimate topics such as marriage, family tensions, and personal joy, Durcan’s voice remains courageous, companionable, and unmistakably his own.

Paul Durcan was born in Dublin in 1944. His first collection, Endsville (1967), began a prolific publishing career that includes over twenty books, with acclaimed titles such as The Berlin Wall Café, Daddy, Daddy (winner of the Whitbread Award), A Snail in My Prime, and The Days of Surprise. A recipient of numerous honours, including the Lifetime Achievement Irish Book Award and the title of Ireland Professor of Poetry, Durcan is a towering figure in Irish letters and a cherished member of Aosdána.

This evening of readings honoured a poet whose work continues to delight, unsettle, and inspire audiences across generations.

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