Thousands of people have paid tribute to the late Cara O'Sullivan, who died in Cork yesterday.
Among those paying their respects was President Michael D Higgins, who sent his and his wife Sabina's deepest condolences to her family.
President Higgins said the news of the Cork-born opera singer's passing will have been received with great sadness by all those who love and appreciate music.
"Proud of her Cork roots, and ever generous to local groups, Cara O'Sullivan was a performer whose talents were recognised the world over," he said.
"She performed not only in local halls and festivals, but also at the Paris Opera, the Sydney Opera House, and the Albert Hall in London, making her mark in many productions of work by Mozart, Handel, Mendelssohn and Verdi.
"Her outstanding talent was recognised early on in her career by the great Joan Sutherland, who helped her prepare for her first major role as Donna Anna in Don Giovanni.
"She will be remembered as one of Ireland's greatest sopranos, and one who was ever generous to her colleagues."
A book of condolence has been opened online by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Joe Kavanagh, in recognition of the 58-year-old's contribution to the artistic and cultural life of her city.
Lord Mayor Kavanagh said: "Cara was blessed with a voice that could stop you in your tracks when she was played on the radio. To have seen her perform in Cork City Hall on numerous occasions was to have been truly privileged.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis."
The Book of Condolence can be found at www.corkcity.ie
Among the many others to pay tributes yesterday evening was former Munster and Ireland rugby player Ronan O'Gara, who said of the Cork woman: "You will be dearly missed. Voice of an angel."
His team mate Donncha O'Callaghan recalled a "beautiful voice" and said she was "the kindest person."
"We will never forget the emotional energy she created before our games," he said. "'Until you hear that bell, that final bell, Stand up and fight like hell'. RIP Cara."
