Members of the Villanova community gathered in Speakers' Corner in Falvey Library on Sept. 12 to commemorate Seamus Heaney, the magisterial Irish poet who died last month at the age of 74. Professor Joseph Lennon of the English department organized the event, which included readings and reminiscences from current professors Kamran Javadizadeh, Megan Quigley, Cathy Staples and Emeritus English professor James Murphy, a long-time friend of Heaney's. The commentators underlined Heaney's unfailing graciousness and generosity and his dedication to the "covenant between the teacher and the taught." "Seamus is a hero to me," said Prof. Murphy. The poet in fact drafted his moving poem to his mother, "In Memoriam M. K. H., 1911-1984," at the home of the Murphys, and Prof. Murphy showed the audience the framed original draft.
Along with Heaney's stirring language, the tribute featured music from renowned Irish fiddler Paraic Keane and guitarist and Irish traditional musician Tom O'Malley. Junior English major Megan Malamood gave fitting summary to the event and the abiding power of the poet's work in observing that "I feel privileged to have been exposed to Seamus Heaney's poetry, and I hope that more of us come to celebrate his work."
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| Seamus Heaney reading "Digging" at Villanova in 2010. |
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| Tom O'Malley and Paraic Keane |
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| Prof. Megan Quigley's signed copy of a collection of Heaney poems. |
