‘A prolific and restless soul’: Limerick poet and writer Gabriel Rosenstock passes away aged 76

THE LIMERICK-born poet and writer Gabriel Rosenstock has passed away in Dublin aged 76.

The Kilfinane native is widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in Irish-language literature.

In a statement to RTÉ, his family said he was an international poet who introduced Irish-language readers to many of the world's greatest writers.

"He believed in the power of poetry and in its ability to build bridges between different cultures. He was a prolific and restless soul who published over 400 books.

"He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and who read him.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."

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Mr Rosenstock spoke candidly about his cancer diagnosis to Barry Egan, of the Sunday Independent, in an interview last month. He said he had stopped chemotherapy as it was no longer working. Married to Eith­ne, they have three children Tristan, Heilean and Saffron.

Mr Rosenstock began writing a diary to chronicle his illness and a documentary based on the conversations between him and son Tristan - who is a broadcaster and musician - will air as scheduled on RTÉ Radió na Gaeltachta this bank holiday Monday afternoon at 5.05pm.

Mr Rosenstock was inspired by the time he spent in India and the teachings of the Indian guru Osho, particularly his epitaph "never born, never died". In the programme, he outlined what he has learned about life, and the perspective being close to death gives you.

Born in Kilfinane in 1949, Mr Rosenstock told the Sunday Independent he can remember standing up in his cot and humming along to Polly, Put the Kettle On.

He went on to study at University College Cork, was a member of Aosdána, and a former chairman of Poetry Ireland/Éigse Éireann.

Mr Rosenstock’s late father, George, was a doctor, originally from Germany. He ran a very successful private practice in Kilfinane. Well-known comedian, impressionist, podcast host Mario Rosenstock is a nephew of Mr Rosenstock's.

May he rest in peace.