Tributes pour in following the death of Irish violinist Patrick Collins

Pat Shortt and Steve Wickham are among those who have paid tribute to Irish musician Patrick Collins, who has died. Collins was famed as the violinist of genre-blending band Café Orchestra, which he founded in 1993. He is also remembered for his work with folk-rock group Mushroom.

Collins died at his home on Tuesday, January 7, and is survived by his wife Maria, his three daughters and his grandson.

The Waterboys' Steve Wickham has shared his tribute to the legendary violinist on social media, remembering him as "generous" and "a real inspiration."

Just heard the sad news about the passing of Pat Collins the great Dublin Fiddler. Pat was a real inspiration. I first saw him play with Mushroom in '74. Pat was electric and a real trailblazer. Generous to us who wanted to see how he did what he did. So Long dude pic.twitter.com/fY6gQezSaM

— Steve Wickham (@stevewickham) January 7, 2020

Comedian Pat Shortt described Collins as a "great musician and a genius."

Cafe Orchestra band Ireland https://t.co/0xcfhaupJR via @YouTube. So sad to hear this morning that the amazing Pat Collins died. A great musician and a genius.

— Pat Shortt (@Pat_Shortt) January 8, 2020

Stockton's Wing's Mike Hanrahan described him as a "wonderful genius" and a "beautiful man."

We say goodbye to Pat Collins. Wonderful genius , beautiful man. I'm Confessin' - HOTFOOT https://t.co/m3z1g250IR via @YouTube

— mike hanrahan (@mikehanrahan58) January 7, 2020

Aonghus McAnally, who played with Collins as the lead guitarist with Mushroom, also paid tribute.

Can’t believe all the bad news these past few days. So so sad to hear that Pat Collins has died. Our days together in Mushroom were such fun pic.twitter.com/ATMiaKBrW4

— Aonghus McAnally (@AonghusMcAnally) January 7, 2020