The Arts Council wishes to extend its congratulations to the poet Harry Clifton on his appointment as the next Ireland Professor of Poetry (2010- 2013).
Speaking on the appointment Pat Moylan, Chairman of the Arts Council said, "I am absolutely thrilled that Harry Clifton will be the fifth Ireland Professor of Poetry. A gifted and internationally respected poet, Clifton is a writer deeply committed to the art of poetry and this honour is richly deserved.
The Ireland Chair of Poetry has gained momentum and profile in recent years, attracting significant audiences and developing increased enthusiasm for poetry among students and the general public. Literature plays a vital and unique role in enhancing the quality of our cultural life; it enables us to examine ourselves as a society, to interrogate what it means to be human and, perhaps most importantly, it can give us much needed beauty, comfort and pleasure.
We are deeply grateful to the four previous post-holders for their tireless work and advocacy for poetry."