Tributes have continued to flood in for "Ireland's greatest broadcaster" Gay Byrne following his passing at the age of 85 on Monday.

Singer-songwriter Imelda May was among those paying tribute to Byrne, who she said was "compassionate and a pro", while musician Hozier said he is "not only a lasting icon of Irish television but a lasting presence in people's hearts and minds also."

On Liveline on RTÉ Radio 1 on Monday, Joe Duffy described his close friend and colleague as a "broadcasting colossus".

Breaking the news of Gay Byrne's passing to listeners, Duffy said: "He has left an indelible mark, not just on Irish society, but he enhanced the lives of countless thousands of Irish people every day through his radio show, while the weekly Late Late Show was the top-rated weekly TV programme.

"He was the boldest, the bravest, the brightest, we are all the better for his life, and are deeply, deeply saddened by his passing...

"If the Ireland of the last 60 years was a voice, if the Ireland of the last 60 years had a voice, it would be the dulcet, challenging, bemused, questioning, reassuring voice of Gay Byrne. We, as a country, are all the better for his life."

One Direction star Niall Horan tweeted that Byrne is "a national treasure".

In an emotional message, Hozier wrote: "Very sad to hear of the passing of Gay Byrne, the man is such an important figure in the landscape of modern Irish culture.

"Not only a lasting icon of Irish television but a lasting presence in people's hearts and minds also."

Imelda May posted a picture of herself with Byrne and tweeted: "The wonderful Gay Byrne died today. I will miss this wonderful man who made me feel safe and genuinely cared for during each interview.

"He was both compassionate and a pro! My heartfelt condolences to his loving family."

Ronan Keating posted a picture with Byrne on Instagram with the caption: "The curtain falls on possibly the greatest Irish entertainer of all.

"You made us laugh, cry, think, question, and appreciate."

This Morning's Eamonn Holmes described Byrne as "the broadcaster we all wanted to be".

BBC talk show host Graham Norton said he was "very sad" to hear about Byrne's passing, and wrote: "He was a giant in broadcasting.

"He showed us all how it should be done. Generous, funny, informed but more than anything else, completely at ease on air."

Presenter Amanda Byram said Byrne was one of her "TV hero's" growing up.

"The world of TV and indeed the world has lost a legend," she added.

Stephen Fry, who made a memorial appearance on Gay's show The Meaning of Life, called Gay "a wonderful, wonderful man."

He was a wonderful wonderful man. We British have never really had an equivalent – the closest might have been Terry Wogan … another Irishman. https://t.co/hetl92iI9A

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) November 4, 2019

Actor Chis O'Dowd called Byrne "more than a broadcaster" and commended him for starting "difficult conversations about our cultural identity that altered public discourse forever."

Presenter Lorraine Keane said Byrne was "one of the kindest gentlemen I have ever known."

She continued: "He is the reason I went into broadcasting and even at the height of his career took the time to encourage, support and mentor me throughout mine."

RTÉ Sports presenter Marty Morrissey said Byrne was "hero to me & others who were inspired by his awesome talent to follow him into broadcasting."

He added: "Nobody compares to you Gay."

Actress Caitriona Balfe said watching Byrne on The Late Late Show and the Toy Show were "some of my happiest childhood memories."

Irish chef and TV personality Neven Maguire said Byrne was "a wonderful icon" and added "thank you for the great memories."

Presenter Dermot O'Leary described Byrne as "a titan".

Irish writer, actress and columnist Stefanie Preissner praised Byrne for being "just great", adding that he had "A rare greatness that made other people shine brighter in his presence, that turned people into the best of themselves, that made them grow in the light of his warmth.

"Enjoy every minute" he said. What a motto, what a man. #gaybyrne #rip.

Radio presenter Rick O'Shea described Byrne as the "one true genuine giant of Irish broadcasting.

"We grew up watching to him, listening to him and hoping that in some small way we could emulate the influence he had in our world," he wrote.

Former footballer Paul McGrath said he was "sad to hear of the passing of Gay Byrne, a man who has always been so kind to me over my career."

"Thank you for everything my friend," McGrath tweeted.

Comedian Jarlath Regan said Byrne was "a force for change when no one else was willing/able to speak up" and "the gold standard."

"There will never be anyone quite like him again," he added.

English broadcaster Piers Morgan called Byrne "Ireland's greatest broadcaster".

"A master of his craft & a charming, brilliant, hugely influential (in a good way) man", he wrote on Twitter.

Former Love/Hate actor Laurence Kinlan said Byrne "changed Irish television" and was "a true Irish legend."

Terrible sad news of Gay Byrne's passing. He changed Irish television. The way in which he interviewed people set a very high standard that hasn’t been matched. A true Irish legend. May he rest in peace.

— Laurence Kinlan (@laurencekinlan) November 4, 2019

Presenter Síle Seoige tweeted: "Whenever I met Gay Byrne, he was warm and encouraging. 

"Despite being a bit starstruck every time (which I'm sure he picked up on), he always put me at ease with a smile & a compliment."

Paying tribute, comedian and actress Deirdre O'Kane said that Gay "went out of his way to compliment and encourage me". 

2fm DJ Louise McSharry said that there isn't a single broadcaster in Ireland who wasn't influenced by Gay.  

Irish rugby player Simon Zebo also paid tribute. 

Sky News presenter Kay Burley hailed Gay as a "legend". 

Presenter and broadcaster Laura Whitmore said "we've lost a great" and praised Byrne for being "a staple part of so many homes".

Irish comedian Dara Ó Briain hailed Byrne as a "legendary, instinctual broadcaster" and "an interviewer of huge emotional intelligence".

Dustin the Turkey, a regular guest on The Late Late Show over the years, said, "I'm sad today but unbelievably proud that I got to work with him". 

Read more:

Gay Byrne: The Greatest Showman

Gay Byrne's finest moments on The Late Late Show

Gay Byrne: A Life In Pictures

Watch:

Gay Byrne: A Video Tribute