On Aug. 30 last year, the world lost one of its greatest literary figures, the poet, writer, and Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney. Although he hailed from Ireland, Heaney spent many years in the Boston/Cambridge area, a number of them as Harvard University’s Boylston Professor. He made many friends in his years here, doing poetry readings and participating as a valued member of the local community. He was a popular figure at many area universities, including Bridgewater State and Boston State, where he developed close and lasting friendships with students and faculty.

Recently Bridgewater State University received a generous collection of Heaney’s personal correspondence and memorabilia from retired BSU English professor Maureen Connelly, whose friendship with Heaney dated back to the 1970s and continued until his passing. She introduced him to numerous people who became friends and admirers.
On Sunday afternoon, April 13, which would have been Heaney’s 75th birthday, Bridgewater State will host a tribute to him in the university’s Conant Science Building auditorium from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. A reception will follow featuring live Irish music, Irish-themed food and drinks and an exhibit of Heaney items from BSU’s own special collection and from items owned privately. In keeping with the warm and generous spirit of the honoree, all are invited to attend this free event and share in his life and work as recalled by his friends.
Speakers will include Boston Globe columnist and author Kevin Cullen, UMass Boston English professor Shaun O’Connell, former Boston firefighter Bobby Breen, a Heaney friend whom Heaney immortalized in his poem Helmet. Members of the audience who knew or shared a friendship with the poet will be invited to participate in this round-table style event prior to the reception.
For more information, call 508-531-1389.