The great and good of the Irish music world gathered to pay tribute to Christy Moore last night when he became the inaugural recipient of the Irish Recorded Music Association's supreme award.
For once, U2 were on the giving rather than receiving end at a prize ceremony, with the band's lead guitarist The Edge presenting the IRMA Honours - as the new award is known - and Bono joining a chorus of praise for the Kildare-born singer.
The Taoiseach led the compliments in a video shown during the event, saying that Moore had "fired the imaginations and captured the hearts" of audiences all over the world. "Your passion for your craft is staggering and it is that passion that makes your music so special and so compelling," Mr Ahern added. "You have made, and continue to make, the people of Ireland very proud."
The video also included tributes from Van Morrison, who called Moore "a kind-of broad definition of Irish folk music", as well as Bono, Ronnie Drew, and Michael Flatley. Comedian Billy Connolly and the rock group Coldplay were among those who sent messages of goodwill.
After receiving the specially commissioned bronze sculpture, the guest of honour played a short set for 600 guests.
The event also featured a charity auction with items including a Francis Bacon artwork and a self-portrait by Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood going under the hammer for the Crumlin Children's Hospital and the Chernobyl Fund.
Now celebrating 40 years in the business, Moore fronted two seminal bands, Planxty and Moving Hearts, before embarking on a hugely successful solo career. He recently rejoined his Planxty colleagues for a series of sell-out concerts.
