The Script guitarist Mark Sheehan has died aged 46 after a short illness, the band said on Friday.
He was a "much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend Mark Sheehan passed away in hospital after a brief illness".
The band added: "“The family and group ask fans to respect their privacy at this tragic time."
Last year, in an interview with Sunday World, singer Danny O'Donoghue said Mark had taken time out for family commitments.
"It's his story to tell, but yeah, I guess if I could paraphrase, his children needed a father and his wife needed a husband," Danny told the newspaper.
"He's been the engine of The Script for such a long time, [I told him] that 'if you want to take a bit of time out for your family you are more than welcome to, and I insist on you going and doing it'.
"He took a little bit of time off. You get refreshed, then you come back with a new zest for life. And I believe it was the best thing that could have happened for all of us."
