Statement by President Higgins on the death of Seán Hutton
Date: Fri 15th Mar, 2024 | 17:39
“I know I will be among the many who were saddened to learn of the death of Seán Hutton.
Mar Uachtarán na hÉireann may I pay tribute to a fine Irish language poet, writer, researcher and teacher. As former Community Development Officer and Policy Officer of Irish in Britain his contribution was of unique value to a part of our Irish family in representing our heritage and aspects of our Irishness in relation to rights.
Seán’s contribution to the life of the Irish community in Britain, where he served for a quarter of a century in different roles in Irish in Britain (formerly known as the Federation of Irish Societies), represented the best of us.
As a committee member of the London Irish LGBT Network his was an inclusive, generous and important role in campaigning for equal rights for all. That deep commitment to equality which was also evidenced in his attendance at the very first meeting of the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement in Dublin in 1964.
An accomplished poet, his collections - which include Seachrán Ruairí agus Dánta Eile which was awarded Duais Sheáin Uí Ríordáin - together with his work as Secretary of the Council of the Irish Texts Society and as Executive Director of the British Association of Irish Studies among many other roles constitutes an outstanding contribution.
May I express my deepest condolences to Seán’s family and to many friends and colleagues.
Síocháin síoraí dá anam lách croíúil.”