MICHAEL O'Hehir's voice was part of "many great sporting moments in football, hurling and racing" the Taoiseach said yesterday.
Mr Bruton offered his sympathy to the broadcaster's extended family and "many friends".
He said generations of sports fans had grown up with Mr O'Hehir's distinctive radio commentaries.
The President, Mrs Robinson, said she had learned of the commentator's death with deep sadness. She said anyone who heard his commentary on the funeral of President Kennedy would remember his remarkable ability.
She said Mr O'Hehir was always recognised as the "voice of sport" and she extended sympathy to his family on behalf of the Irish people.
A number of RTE radio phone in programmes reported an "unprecedented" number of calls from the public expressing sympathy over the death of the broadcaster.
At Croke Park yesterday all flags flew at half mast in honour of Mr O'Hehir. Mr Jack Boothman, president of the GAA, said Mr O'Hehir's "ability to paint pictures with words and his relationship with his audience made him an icon of broadcasting".
Mr Liam Mulvihill, director general of the GAA, said the association owed "an inestimable debt of gratitude to Michael. More than any other person he contributed to the promotion and popularisation of Gaelic games".
The Football Association of Ireland passed a motion offering its condolences to his family and friends yesterday. "Mr O'Hehir made a huge contribution to the sporting fabric of Irish life over many years and his passing will be greatly mourned by the Irish people," a statement said.
Mr O'Hehir "provided genuine inspiration to today's generation of radio broadcasters", the leader of the Progressive Democrats, Ms Mary Harney, said yesterday.
"Mr O'Hehir's talents brought the exhilaration and the thrills of some of the most nail biting matches in Irish history into the kitchens and living rooms of every household in the country," she added.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mr Brendan Lynch, described him yesterday as "Mister Sport". He said in a statement that Mr O'Hehir had "an innate skill as a commentator which was appreciated in sporting circles throughout the world".
The removal of Mr O'Hehir's body takes place this evening at 4.45 p.m. from Kirwan's Funeral home, Fairview, Dublin, to arrive at Corpus Christi Church, Griffith Avenue, at 5 p.m.
The funeral Mass will be offered at 11 a.m. tomorrow followed by burial at Fingal Cemetery.
Mr O'Hehir is survived by his wife, Molly, three sons and two daughters.