Tributes have been paid to Irish music "giant" and co-founder of The Chieftains Paddy Moloney following his death aged 83.
In 1962, the Dublin-born musician founded The Chieftains alongside the original lineup of Seán Potts, Martin Fay, David Fallon and Mick Tubridy.
The Chieftains went on to become one of the best-known Irish traditional groups in the world and Moloney has left an indelible mark on the Irish music scene.
Imelda May was among those paying tribute to Moloney on Twitter, saying she was "so sad" to hear of his passing.
"He was ours wasn't he," she continued. "He made us all so proud of our heritage and brought such joyous energy. I'm honoured to have known and worked with not just a legend but a thoroughly lovely man."
So sad to hear of the passing of our dearest Paddy Moloney.
— Imelda May (@ImeldaOfficial) October 12, 2021
He was ours wasn't he
He made us all so proud of our heritage and brought such joyous energy. I’m honoured to have known and worked with not just a legend but a thoroughly lovely man. @paddymoloney #rippaddymoloney
Writer and Ross O'Carroll-Kelly-creator Paul Howard said Moloney was "a wonderful gent".
Spent many happy hours in Paddy Moloney's company while I was working on the Tara Browne book, especially at Luggala. What a wonderful gent. Very sad news. Paddy Moloney RIP. pic.twitter.com/k1NgMl3T8K
— Paul Howard (@AkaPaulHoward) October 12, 2021
Arts Minister Catherine Martin said we have "lost a giant of the national cultural landscape".
She tweeted: "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."
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. pic.twitter.com/ivxXpQSWcM
— Catherine Martin TD (@cathmartingreen) October 12, 2021
Dave Fanning credited Moloney, who worked with a vast array of artists throughout his career, for always having "the best stories".
From Keef to Joni, Macca to Van, Sting to Stevie..Paddy always had the best stories.
— Dave Fanning (@fanningrte) October 12, 2021
RIP #PaddyMoloney pic.twitter.com/EA0qSdER0z
Take a look at some more tributes to Paddy Moloney:
Such sad news.
— Mark O'Brien (@obrienmark) October 12, 2021
The piper of our dreams imithe
His sound cast a spell for the ages.
His influence on the music and soul of this island immeasurable.
A chieftain indeed.
Sound eternal.
His tunes will echo through this land.
Codladh Sámh agus go raibh maith agat.
RIP #paddymoloney pic.twitter.com/cL1c43Ps0A
Very sad news. Paddy Moloney RIP pic.twitter.com/CBZJ8bepo2
— John Kelly tweets (@johnkellytweets) October 12, 2021
RIP to Paddy Moloney - one of the true greats of Irish music.
— Will Leahy (@willleahy) October 12, 2021
And little known fact - he was recording with Paul McCartney on the day John Lennon was assassinated.
Sad to hear of passing of piper Paddy Moloney of The Chieftains. He was a key player in Ireland's soundtrack for over 60 years. He played with the best of them: O'Riada, Zappa, Jagger, Stevie Wonder. Condolences to Paddy's family & friends. #paddymoloney https://t.co/QOWz9RZJ28
— john creedon (@johncreedon) October 12, 2021
The work Paddy Moloney did in bringing the beauty of Irish music, culture, as well as the very country itself to the world is completely immeasurable and utterly unrivaled.
— 📻 Ed Smith 📻 (@EdTodayFM) October 12, 2021
And it looked like he never 'worked' a day in his life doing it.
A giant of a man. RIP. #PaddyMoloney pic.twitter.com/K4jFVol6Vz
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Paddy Moloney, the renowned and respected musician and frontman of the world-renowned band The Chieftains.
— National Concert Hall (@NCH_Music) October 12, 2021
He will be truly missed. May he rest in peace.
