The Ireland Fund of Great Britain has honoured Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney for his contribution to Irish cultural life in Britain.
The award was presented at its annual Winter Ball - a black tie event that took place in London’s iconic Savoy Hotel.
Seamus Heaney is one of Ireland’s most famous poets and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1995.
In her opening speech, co-chair of The Ireland Fund of Great Britain Ruth McCarthy, described Mr Heaney as “a giant of Irish culture and indeed a man of the world”.
Later Zachary Webb, the chair of the Winter Ball, presented the poet with a hurricane vase donated by Galway Crystal.
An auction on the night raised over £80,000 for the Ireland Fund of Great Britain.
Prizes that were donated included a hand-written poem by Seamus Heaney; a table for 10 at the BBC sports personality of the year awards; a Philip Treacy hat and artwork including pieces by Joy Gerrard and Graham Knuttel.
The Ireland Fund of Great Britain provides financial support to organisations that care for elderly and vulnerable Irish people who still live in Britain.
Its Winter Ball is a highlight event on the Irish calendar in London. The evening brings together over 350 influential people from the Irish community for a night of celebration to help raise funds for the Irish in need.
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