THE Chieftains' fiddle player Seán Keane has been described as someone who "inspired listeners all over the world" following his death at the age of 76.
The Dublin-born musician died at his home in Rathcoole on Sunday morning, his brother James Keane revealed in a social media post.
He described Seán as his "wonderful, kind and brilliant fiddle playing big brother".
The artist, who joined The Chieftans in the 1960s, had recently performed for US President Joe Biden during his visit to Ireland.
Among others to remember the Irish trad star was the National Concert Hall, which described him as a "talented musician whose music transcended cultural boundaries and inspired listeners from all over the world”.
A spokesperson added they were "deeply saddened" at his loss.
Speaking of watching Mr Keane perform with his bandmates in Co Mayo during Joe Biden's visit, US Ambassador to Ireland, Claire Cronin, said she was "genuinely moved" to have witnessed the Chieftains' final performance with Seán.
"Sean’s remarkable career saw him play with the world's greatest musicians, and collect six Grammy awards with The Chieftains, bringing traditional Irish music to a new audience in the US and around the world," she said in a tweet.
His death follows that of Chieftan's co-founder Paddy Moloney in October 2021.
