Folk star Christy Moore has said he believes that Irish music is "stronger than it ever has been".
The music legend, who was speaking as part of a University Concert Hall Limerick video series to mark its 25th anniversary and to announce his concert at the venue next year, praised the diversity of musicians working in Ireland.
"I think the state of Irish music and Irish song-writing is stronger now than it has ever been", he said.
"There is such a diversity now of writers and singers and bands in different genres. I don't think it has ever been as strong and as healthy as it is now."
Moore also spoke about the enduring appeal of folk music, saying: "I think folk songs, they are not a fashion.
"The reason they have lasted for centuries is because they are good songs. They transcend the movement of time."
The folk hero heralded the late Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem as his greatest influences.
"I first heard the Clancy Brothers singing trad songs 60 years ago. I went to hear them in 1962 and my whole life changed. As did the lives of many who heard them", he said.
"If I could stand among the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem and sing a few songs, that would bring me right back to where it started for me when I was 16. Give me the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem and I will be a happy man."
Christy Moore plays the University Concert Hall in Limerick on Friday, April 26 2019 with tickets now on sale.
