Ryan Tubridy has led the tributes following the tragic death of Oscar-winner Glen Hansard.
The musician and songwriter died in the early hours of Wednesday morning in a single-vehicle accident in west Dublin.
Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene, where Mr Hansard received treatment but was declared dead a short time later.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday afternoon, former Late Late Show presenter Ryan shared a picture of himself interviewing Hansard on the RTÉ Friday night show.
‘It’s with the heaviest of hearts I post a few words about Glen Hansard who has died,’ the presenter wrote.
‘I’ve been a fan, an admirer and thanks to multiple chats on TV and radio, an interviewer of this extraordinarily talented singer and storyteller.
‘Apart from his talent as an artist, he also cared. He cared about the homeless and he cared about Ireland.
‘The Oscar, the achievements and the humanity were all part of a life well lived.’
Ryan went on to offer his condolences to the family of Mr Hansard and his ‘legion of fans.’
‘We have lost one of the greats,’ the Dubliner concluded, ‘May he rest in peace.’
Messages of tribute poured in via the comments section, with one writing: ‘So sad, grew up listening to The Frames. Such a talent.’
Another added: ‘Glen… we will never forget you… condolences to his family and friends. He was one of the best.’
‘So sad,’ a third commented, ‘Shocking…’
Hansard burst onto the music scene in the early 1990’s with his portrayal of the pony-tailed guitarist, Outspan Foster, in the movie, The Commitments.
From there, he soared to huge fame with his Oscar-winning performance of “Falling Slowly” from the movie ‘Once.’
Besides his appearance in The Commitments, Hansard gained prominence when he formed his band, The Frames.
The band became one of the country’s most respected live acts, producing critically acclaimed albums including Fitzcarraldo, Dance the Devil and Burn the Maps.
