Michael D Higgins has led the tributes to Limerick-born broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan, who has died aged 77 after a battle with cancer.
The Irish President said: “I have heard with sadness of the death of Terry Wogan, one of the great figures of broadcasting.
“His was a distinguished contribution to television and in particular to the medium of radio.
“People in Ireland will remember his early career in Irish broadcasting. On his move to Britain his voice became one of the most often quoted, favourite radio voices.
“Always proud of his origins in Limerick, he made many returns to his native country for television and radio projects.
“His rise to the top of radio listenership in the United Kingdom was a great tribute to his breadth of knowledge and in particular his unique, very personal sense of humour.”
And TV presenter Graham Norton added his thoughts, saying on Twitter: ” He made it seem effortless and for a young boy in Ireland he made it seem possible. RIP Sir Terry Wogan. I’ll raise a glass during song 9.”
While Ex- Boyzone singer Keith Duffy said: “Very sad to hear about Sir Terry Wogan, I loved his TV chat show as a young boy A real legend! God Speed Terry.”
Comedian Dara O Briain tweeted: ” Terribly sad news about Terry Wogan dying. Hard to quantify what he achieved, not just in broadcasting, but for the Irish in Britain.”
Taoiseach Enda Kenny added his voice to the tributes for the broadcasting legend. He tweeted: “Sad to hear of the passing of broadcasting legend Terry Wogan. Loved here in Ireland and by his millions of fans in Britain.”
Former Boyzone frontman Ronan Keating said he was “devastated” by the news, adding: “A true gentleman a king of the airwaves. Our thoughts are with his family.”