DEPUTY First Minister Martin McGuinness was among those to pay tribute to Seamus Heaney over the weekend, with a series events marking the first anniversary of the acclaimed Co Derry poet's death.
A host of 'Heaney-boppers' attended talks, tours, a poetry hooley and a procession from St Mary's churchyard to Bellaghy Bawn to remember the Nobel Prize-winning poet.
A ceremony was held at the churchyard, with poems read by graduates of the Heaney Centre at Queen's University, and a special harvest bow wreath was laid on his grave - in honour of his poem The Harvest Bow.
Heaney's brothers Hugh, Colm and Dan attended the commemorations in Bellaghy.
Patrick Brennan, who worked with the man dubbed Famous Seamus, spoke about plans to build a Heaney centre in Bellaghy.
"The Poetry House has been developed as both an honorific and celebratory occasion that is mindful of the deep loss to his family and friends and to our global
culture, while recalling Seamus's good humour, the playful twinkle in his eye, his mischievous chuckle, his unique voice and his deep love of his place," he said.
An Post have issued a special 68 cent Heaney stamp in his honour.
"The issuing of this stamp is a tremendous tribute to Seamus and a mark of what he means to people throughout Ireland," SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan said.
"It is a poignant way to remember such a brilliant poet and a good Derry man."
Speaking in Bellaghy at the weekend, Mr McGuinness described Heaney as "one of Ireland's finest".
MEMORIES: Seamus Heaney's brothers Hugh, Colm and Dan at the poet's grave in St Mary's Churchyard in Bellaghy, Co Derry, on Saturday, the first anniversary of his death. Right, a procession from the churchyard to Bellaghy Bawn PICTURES Margaret McLaughlin