The passing has been announced this morning of traditional musician Paddy Moloney - the founder of the legendary Irish group The Chieftains.
In a statement this morning, the Irish Traditional Music Archive confirmed his passing, stating that he "made an enormous contribution to Irish traditional music, song and dance" and that "few people can lay claim to having the level of impact Paddy Moloney had on the vibrancy of traditional music throughout the world. What a wonderful musical legacy he has left us. Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal."
Moloney founded The Chieftains in Dublin in 1963, alongside the original lineup of Seán Potts (tin whistle), Martin Fay (fiddle), David Fallon (bodhrán), and Mick Tubridy (flute).
Catherine Martin, Minister for Arts, led the tributes to Moloney.
She tweeted: “With the passing of Paddy Moloney, we have lost a giant of the national cultural landscape. Through the Chieftains, he brought the joy of Irish music to a global audience. His music was a source of celebration and pride for all of us. Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam,”
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