The death has been announced of the renowned traditional singer, musician and music collector Séamus Mac Mathúna.
He first learned music in his native Clare, and went on to have a long association with groups including Conradh na Gaeilge and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
His family described him as a musician, singer, collector, composer, producer and teacher who was an important and essential figure in the revival and cultivation of traditional music.
The Irish Traditional Music Archive said his life-long passion for the Irish language, poetry, traditional music, song and dance will be fondly remembered.
Séamus Mac Mathúna is survived by his wife Úna, children and grandchildren.
In a statement, CCÉ Ardstiúrthóir Labhrás Ó Murchú said:
"Tá mór-laoch na nGael imithe uainn ar shlí na fírinne. Bhí Séamus Mac Mathúna lárnach in obair an Chomhaltais agus idéalacha an náisiúin le breis agus 50 bliain. Ba scoláire den scoth é. Bhí Séamus cumasach, cruthaitheach, dílis, díograiseach, spreagúil, flaithiúil agus misniúil. I gcónaí do sheas sé an fód in am an ghátair.
"Mothófar go mór in easnamh é i saol an Chomhaltais agus an náisiúin ach tá oidhreacht gan sárú fágtha in a dhiaidh. Ta sé seo soiléir in a chlann agus na mílte a tháinig faoi a thionchuir. Go raibh leaba aige i measc na naomh.
"Tá Úna agua a gclann in ár smaointe agus ár bpaidreacha."
