Eurovision winning songwriter Shay Healy has died at the age of 78.
The Dubliner composed 'What's Another Year' for Johnny Logan, which won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1980.
He was also a well-known broadcaster, hosting the RTÉ show Nighthawks in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The talk show covered current affairs and entertainment, and Mr Healy's interview with the former Minister for Justice Sean Doherty about phone tapping eventually led to the resignation of then-Taoiseach Charles Haughey.
Shay Healy subsequently went on to found his own production company.
In 2004, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease but continued working.
He is survived by his two sons. His wife, Dymphna, passed away in 2017.
Irish songwriter & broadcaster Shay Healy has passed away. This picture shows Shay & Johnny Logan retuning to @DublinAirport after winning @Eurovision in 1980 with Shay’s song What’s Another Year. May he Rest In Peace. #RIPShay pic.twitter.com/hRgMR4qmFP
— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) April 10, 2021
The President and Taoiseach have led the tributes to Shay Healy after the news of his death was announced today.
President Michael D Higgins said his "talents extended across so many areas and continued, even when challenged by illness, into the modern decades".
"His approach to everything he did was original and conveyed with enthusiasm," the President said.
"The range of his song-writing was such that it included not just songs that could compete with real prospect at Eurovision, but also songs that responded to contemporary events and that could take their place in the folk community.
"I treasure the correspondence I received from him over the years at different points of both of our lives. To have known him as a friend was a great privilege. He was loyal in his friendship and generous in its expression."
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Shay Healy "brought so much joy with his Eurovision success, and informed millions with his skilful interviews".
So sorry to hear of the death of songwriter and broadcaster Shay Healy after a brave and dignified battle with illness.
He brought so much joy with his Eurovision success, and informed millions with his skilful interviews.
My deepest sympathies to his family on their loss. pic.twitter.com/ARDb5JIhLu— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) April 10, 2021
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin said: “Shay Healy was a gifted songwriter and a national treasure.
"His beautiful song writing inspired a generation of Irish artists to take their place on the world stage.”
She added: “His time as a broadcaster brought Shay into our homes where the Irish public fell in love with the man and with his irreverent and vital spirit.
"His battle with Parkinson’s disease in his later years was so difficult but also a source of great inspiration for many dealing with the same struggles.
"I wish to offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Shay at this very difficult time.”
Writer and radio presenter Gareth O'Callaghan said he was "saddened" to hear about Mr Healy's death this morning.
"He was so kind to take part in that great night at Vicar Street. Despite the pain of Parkinson's, how it was devouring him physically, his smile always reminded me of his beautiful heart," he said.
Actor Simon Delaney said he was "heartbroken", adding that Mr Healy was "a joy to work with, a genius, a legend, and a true gent".
Comedian PJ Gallagher said the presenter gave him his first ever TV job years ago, and that he was "an absolute gent", "years ahead of his time in every way and a musical mastermind".
