Tributes paid to Dolores Keane, who has died aged 72

Friends, fans and fellow musicians are paying tribute to Dolores Keane this afternoon, following the sad news of the renowned Irish singer's passing, aged 72.

As reported by RTÉ, Keane died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Co. Galway overnight.

Born into a musical family in Co. Galway, Keane was a founding member of the group De Dannan. She also enjoyed a successful solo career – with Nanci Griffith once noting that "Dolores Keane, the queen of the soul of Ireland, has a sacred voice".

She also famously featured on the best-selling 1992 compilation A Woman's Heart, alongside the likes of Eleanor McEvoy and Mary Black, performing Dougie MacLean's 'Caledonia' and Paul Brady's 'The Island'.

In 2022, Keane was presented with TG4's Gradam Ceoil Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2024, she received an honorary doctorate in Music from the University of Galway.

In recent years, she was also the subject of a special feature-length docu-music programme, Dolores@70, on RTÉ.

Credit: University of Galway / Andrew Downes | Xposure

Singer and senator Frances Black has paid tribute to Keane today, describing her as "one of Ireland's finest singers".

"Dolores had the most beautiful voice that touched our souls," Black wrote online. "My deepest sympathies to all her family and friends."

Tánaiste Simon Harris has also shared a statement, noting that "Dolores possessed a voice that could reach deep into your soul."

"A voice that could carry a sense of joy, but also sorrow in each and every note," he continued. "Her music was synonymous in every kitchen, pub and dance hall the length and breadth of the country. Dolores was also so popular, simply for her unrivalled sense of wit and kindness that touched the lives of so many.

"Above all, Dolores Keane summed up everything good about our proud Irish musical tradition. I know she will be particularly missed in her home County of Galway, where many a ceilí she performed since a young age."

Minister Patrick O'Donovan, meanwhile, has remembered her "one of Ireland’s most soulful and iconic voices."

"A true pioneer of the folk tradition, her unique gift brought the beauty of Irish song to the global stage," he remarked. "Her music and her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were moved by her incredible talent."

Says Eleanor McEvoy: "Shocked to hear that Dolores Keane has died. Her voice was unique and whilst she had universal appeal, she was quintessentially Irish. So many memories…. back stage antics, tears & tall tales. I’ll sing a song on stage here in Hong Kong for you tomorrow - rest in peace Dolly."