A monumental figure in Irish music.
Paddy Moloney, founding member and leader of The Chieftains, has passed away.
He was 83 years of age.
Moloney formed The Chieftains in Dublin in 1962 alongside the original line-up of Seán Potts, Martin Fay, David Fallon and Mick Tubridy, paving the way for one of the most revered traditional Irish groups in history.
The Chieftains proved a huge hit on the world stage, scoring six Grammy Awards during their career amongst many other accolades.
“Paddy Moloney was a wonderful piper, an incredibly creative musician and a powerful performing artist,” Na Píobairí Uilleann chief executive Gay McKeon told RTÉ News on Tuesday.
“He helped popularise Irish music all over the world and in doing so, brought the sound of the uilleann pipes to the attention of so many.
“We have lost one of the country’s foremost artists whose legacy is inestimable at this point.”
Minister for Arts and Culture Catherine Martin echoed that sentiment, noting on Twitter that Ireland has “lost a giant of the national cultural landscape” with Moloney’s passing.
“Through the Chieftains, he brought the joy of Irish music to a global audience,” Martin added.
“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
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