President Michael D Higgins paid tribute to the late King of Tory Island Patsy Dan Rodgers.
Mr Rodgers passed away last night at Dublin’s Mater Hospital.
He leaves a legacy of dedicating his life to the small island outcrop, located 10 kms off the Donegal coastline.
President Higgins described the late Mr Rodgers as an “advocate for Ireland’s island communities”.
President Higgins said: “All those who love Irish culture and language will have been greatly saddened by the death of Patsy Dan Rodgers, known as the ‘King of Toraigh’ and widely respected as an advocate for Ireland’s island communities.
“His love for Toraigh Island and its people was evident in his art and his campaigns, and he was an outstanding ambassador for the island in all its welcoming diversity.
“Sabina and I send our deepest condolences to his wife Caitlin and their four children, to the entire community of Toraigh Island and to all those who value Irish culture.”
The funeral details for the late Mr Rodgers have yet to be confirmed.
