A Co Armagh poet has been conferred with a prestigious honour by President Michael D Higgins.
Paul Muldoon from Portadown received the Saoi of Aosdána at Áras an Uachtaráin on Thursday.
At the ceremony, President Higgins presented Mr Muldoon with the symbol of the office of Saoi, the gold Torc.
President Higgins said: “Paul Muldoon’s poetry allows us to undertake such a journey of emancipation.
“His is a form of poetry known for its many and varied gifts.
“Some readers have recognised its use of paradox, with Paul’s poems being both playful yet serious, intangible yet direct, innovative yet traditional.
“Reflecting upon a lifetime of outstanding creative work, which continues, it is such a pleasure to congratulate Paul Muldoon on being chosen by his peers in the world of arts and culture for this honour and, mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, to thank him for all that he has given, and all that he continues to give to us and to the world of Irish literature.”
The honour of the Saoi is for singular and sustained distinction in the arts.
Members of Aosdána may receive the honour of Saoi, which is an honour conferred only on artists whose body of work is considered by their fellow members to be of significant merit and distinction.
Not more than seven members of Aosdána may hold this honour, which is held for life, at any one time.
