One of Ireland's most acclaimed musicians Mr Derek Bell has died suddenly in the US. Mr Bell was most well known as a harpist with the Chieftains.
He joined the band as a full-time member in the early 1970s but had appeared with them previously on tour.
Surviving band members said they would miss him terribly and his death had left a silence that would never be filled.
"The world would also be a much less interesting place without him," they added.
Sir James Galway, a friend of Mr Bell since they were students together at the Royal College of Music, said: "It's a great tragedy. Derek was an essential member of the Chieftains professionally and personally. Derek occupied an unique position in the music world.
"He retained a real passion for folk music and will be sadly missed."
Before joining The Chieftains, Mr Bell appeared with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and symphony orchestras in Pittsburgh, Moscow, London, Budapest and the BBC Northern Ireland Orchestra.
The accomplished musician played the harp and among other instruments, the oboe, horn, cor anglais and keyboards.
In their lengthy career, The Chieftains have worked with a variety of artists and in a number of styles.
They have collaborated with singers from Van Morrison, Tom Jones and Elvis Costello to bands like The Corrs and the Rolling Stones.
The Minister for Arts, Sports, and Tourism, Mr O'Donoghue expressed his sadness on hearing of the death of Derek Bell, describing him as "one of the finest harpists that this country has ever produced".
"Derek Bell was a vital part of the Chieftains, who brought traditional Irish music to new levels during their long and successful career. He was particularly noted for popularising the music of Turlough Ó Carolan, and for interpreting it in a way that brought it to life for very many people", said the Minister.
The Olympia Theatre announced the cancellation of the forthcoming Chieftains concert on October 31st due to Mr Bell's death.