President Higgins has been one of many paying tribute to distinguished musician and scholar Dr Mick Moloney following his death at the age of 77 earlier this week.

The Limerick-born musician and former member of folk group The Johnstons is frequently described as Irish America's greatest performer. He was honoured for his services to music by both the US government with a National Heritage Award and by the Irish government with the 2013 Presidential Distinguished Service Awards for the Irish Abroad.

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Dr. Mick Moloneyhttps://t.co/S36yuC2iRT pic.twitter.com/LeWHLLOVHq

— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) July 28, 2022

In his statement, President Higgins expressed his deep sadness, writing: “Mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, as President of Ireland, may I say it is with deep sadness that I have learnt of the death of musician and scholar, Dr. Mick Moloney.

"Dr. Moloney was an admired Global Distinguished Professor at Glucksman Ireland House, New York University, as part of their Irish Studies Programme and Music Department. His passing is a loss to the musical heritage of Ireland, to Irish America and to Irish music worldwide."

The President continued: "In 2013, I was very pleased to present Mick Moloney with a Presidential Distinguished Service Award for his exceptional contribution as a folklorist, musician and scholar. In addition to his valued work with NYU, Mick taught ethnomusicology, folklore and Irish Studies at the Universities of Pennsylvania, Georgetown and Villanova.

"Mick made his love of music an integral part of his life’s work and his generosity of spirit in sharing his talents and passion for Irish music and culture will live on as part of his deep legacy. Sabina joins with me in sending our deep condolences to his family, friends, fellow lovers of music and his students at this sad time. Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam," the President wrote.

Dr Moloney, a great admirer of American folksingers The Weavers and Burl Ives, began playing tenor banjo at the age of 16 and moved to the USA in 1973, where he uniquely combined the roles of professional musician, folklorist, author and educator.

After receiving a Ph.D. in folklore and folklife from the University of Pennsylvania in 1992, he taught ethnomusicology, folklore and Irish Studies courses at the University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown University and Villanova University. Dr Moloney was a renowned professor at New York University in the Irish Studies Program and the Music Department.

Glucksman Ireland House, the centre for Irish and Irish-American studies at New York University, said they were "heartbroken by the passing of our longtime friend and colleague."

We are heartbroken by the passing of our longtime friend and colleague, Mick Moloney. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. pic.twitter.com/XWSMYVY8b8

— Glucksman Ireland House NYU (@GIHNYU) July 28, 2022

The Irish Consulate in New York City tweeted: "Saddened to hear of the passing of the passing of a wonderful musician and historian, and treasured friend of the Consulate, Mick Moloney. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílís."

Saddened to hear of the passing of the passing of a wonderful musician and historian, and treasured friend of the Consulate, Mick Moloney. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílís. https://t.co/OKx692pVwK

— Irish Consulate NYC (@IrelandinNY) July 28, 2022

The Irish Arts Center said: “Rest in peace Mick Moloney, friend, colleague, and mentor. There are no words sufficient to capture the totality of your impact, though in days ahead we’ll try. But for now, as we absorb your enormous, incalculable loss, just these: Thank you, Mick.”

Rest in peace Mick Moloney, friend, colleague, and mentor. There are no words sufficient to capture the totality of your impact, though in days ahead we’ll try. But for now, as we absorb your enormous, incalculable loss, just these: Thank you, Mick.

(Photo by Erin Baiano.) pic.twitter.com/onW3bHBdO1

— Irish Arts Center (@IrishArtsCenter) July 28, 2022

The National Concert Hall shared that they were "deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mick Moloney. A talented musician, songwriter & former member of the Johnstons with Paul Brady, Mick last graced our stage in 2016."

The NCH is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mick Moloney.A talented musician, songwriter & former member of the Johnstons with Paul Brady, Mick last graced our stage in 2016.

Our deepest condolences go to his family & friends.

RIP
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis. pic.twitter.com/rofRXmhI2U

— National Concert Hall (@NCH_Music) July 28, 2022

Throughout his influential music career, Dr Moloney produced and performed on over 70 albums. He also played with the group the Emmet Folk Singers during his formative years in Limerick.