He received the Marten Toonder Award (1983) for his contribution to Irish literature. He is a founding member of Aosdána was elected Saoi of Aosdána in 2003 and is a member of its governing body the Toscaireacht. Visiting lecturer University of Montana (1966-68). Poet in Residence at Drake University (1968-70). Irish Times columnist with a weekly discourse 'Viewpoint' (1974-80). Biographer of Brian O'Nolan and Samuel Beckett.