Mary Black, Brendan Graham and Liam Ó Maonlaí pay tribute to Michael D. Higgins

Mary Black:

When I think of our outgoing President Michael D. Higgins, I feel a burst of pride. Throughout his time in the Áras, he always maintained a strong sense of integrity and always found the right words, in Irish or English, whatever the occasion. I particularly loved his sense of humor and his passion and constant support for sport and the arts – he’ll be a very hard act to follow.

Brendan Graham:

2026 is the 30th anniversary of Imro becoming a fully fledged national membership society for Ireland’s songwriters, composers and music publishers (and separate from the UK-based PRS, of which we were all once members). Michael D., as Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, was instrumental in making that come about.

He totally got it – the national importance, culturally and economically, the symbolism of the move, from a post-colonial point of view. He was a mighty champion for us and we owe him a great debt of gratitude.

He portrayed then the attributes which were to make him a great President of Ireland – his great love of country and his intellectual independence. Yet he was able to express that in a way we could understand. He also possesses an intellectual fearlessness – he’s a straight talker, unafraid to speak out on something in which he believes. That kind of courage, intellectual honesty and fearlessness is much to be admired.

I thank him for his unfailing leadership and service to us all, and send he and Sabina every good wish for whatever future path lies ahead.

Liam Ó Maonlaí:

Michael D. trusts himself. He needs no script to express the truths so vital to our continued existence. Laoch, file, fear uasal Gaelach. Moladh go deo leis.

Read our in-depth cover story interview with Michael D. Higgins – and tributes from Cillian Murphy, Bob Geldof, Niall Horan, Dermot Kennedy, Denise Chaila and more – in the current issue of Hot Press, out now: