Taoiseach Simon Harris and prominent figures from across the Irish music community have paid tribute to Johnny Duhan, following the sad news of the renowned Limerick-born singer-songwriter's death yesterday, aged 74.

Johnny – who enjoyed a long and varied career, which including penning 'The Voyage', made famous by Christy Moore – went for a swim yesterday morning at Silverstrand Beach, in Barna, Co. Galway, where he has lived for many years. He was reported missing around 10am, after not returning from his swim, and his body was recovered later that day.

In a separate incident, a woman in her 30s also went missing from Silverstand Beach yesterday. A major search operation for the missing woman continues today.

"Terribly sad news tonight from Galway," Simon Harris remarked on social media last night. "Johnny Duhan was a renowned and much loved songwriter. Thinking of his family and loved ones at this very sad time.

"The young woman who is still missing remains in our thoughts tonight," he continued.

Gerry Adams has also paid tribute to Johnny online, describing him as "one of our finest song writers and creative writers."

Composer Bill Whelan, meanwhile, stated that "Johnny Duhan’s journey from rock star in his 20s to thoughtful disciplined and spiritual songwriter in his later years is testament to a life well-lived and a talent realised."

"His gentle influence has left too soon," he continued. "Condolences to his family."

In a moving tribute on Facebook, Hothouse Flowers' Fiachna Ó Braonáin wrote that 'The Voyage' "belongs in the pantheon of Irish songs".

"I am shocked and saddened by the news of its writer Johnny Duhan’s passing," Fiachna added. "We corresponded regularly over the years. I played his music almost every weekend on the radio and his songs always received such a warm response from listeners and without fail, I received a beautifully crafted thank you note from Johnny... every time..."

He went on to describe Johnny as "a master wordsmith".

See more tributes to Johnny Duhan below:

 

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A post shared by DeBarras Folk Club, Clonakilty (@debarras_clonakilty)

So sad to hear the tragic news 💔 I’m lucky enough to have seen the great Johnny Duhan regularly back in the day when he fronted thrilling Limerick soul band Granny’s Intentions with inspirational intensity. Rest easily Johnny. Peace. pic.twitter.com/tdi6uEKR9p

— Eamon Carr (@carrtogram) November 12, 2024

Devastated 💔Johnny Duhan May you rest in peace. Beautiful man. 💔The heart of Irish songwriting is truly broken. “Somewhere between all the anguish and pain, we always remember the sun”💚 pic.twitter.com/QNvxCyKJ9R

— mike hanrahan (@mikehanrahan46) November 12, 2024

God bless Johnny Duhan.
We are so sad tonight. What a gentleman. What a genius. What a loss. 💔 pic.twitter.com/c4IhFhFGgG

— The High Kings (@TheHighKings) November 12, 2024