Poet and writer Gabriel Rosenstock has died aged 76.
In a statement, his family said he was an international poet who introduced Irish-language readers to many of the world’s greatest writers.
“He believed in the power of poetry and in its ability to build bridges between different cultures. He was a prolific and restless soul who published over 400 books.
“He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and who read him.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dÃlis.”
Regarded as one of the most significant figures in Irish-language literature, he spoke candidly a short time ago about his cancer diagnosis.
In an interview with the Irish Independent last month, Mr Rosenstock said he had stopped treatment as it was no longer working.
He began writing a diary to chronicle his illness and a documentary based on the conversations between him and his son Tristan – who is a broadcaster and musician – will air as scheduled on RTÉ Radió na Gaeltachta this afternoon.
Born in Kilfinane in Co Limerick in 1949, Mr Rosenstock studied at University College Cork, where he associated with the Innti group of poets.
A member of Aosdána, and a former chairman of Poetry Ireland/Éigse Éireann, he was the author and translator of more than 180 books, mostly in Irish.
From the Archives: BÃonn Dhá Insint Ar Gach Aon Scéal
Former director of Poetry Ireland Theo Dorgan has known Mr Rosenstock since their university days.
He described his friend as a very spiritual man “slightly withdrawn in himself”, but had a “great life in him”.
He said there was always that inner core of meditation and quiet and as he got older, “that became more and more the signature of his life and of his poetry”.
Speaking on RTÉ’s News at One, Mr Dorgan said that for Mr Rosenstock, “poetry wasn’t so much art as the expression of a deep spiritual quest”.
He said he hopes that younger poets in particular will familarise themselves with his work “and it’ll encourage them to open their eyes wider, far beyond the island [of Ireland]”.
Mr Dorgan said that for such a public figure, Mr Rosenstock was a deeply private man, who was supported all his life by the immense love he had from his wife and the regard and love he had for and from his children.