President Michael D Higgins leads tributes as death of Aslan singer Christy Dignam is announced

PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins is leading to the tributes to Aslan singer Christy Dignam whose death has been announced.

The 63-year-old singer entered palliative care earlier this year and he spent the last few months at home where he was cared for by his family.

Christy grew up in Finglas on the northside of Dublin and began playing music in the late 1970s before later forming the band  Aslan.

pic.twitter.com/zavAiLEgGa

— Aslan (@OfficialAslan) June 13, 2023

Tributes have been flowing in since his death was confirmed by his family this Tuesday afternoon.

Paying tribute, President Michael D Higgins commented that people across Ireland and beyond will have heard of his death with with great sadness.

"For the last 40 years, Christy and his bandmates in Aslan have made an enormous contribution to the cultural life of our nation. In addition to their well-loved albums and hit singles such as ‘This Is’ and ‘Crazy World’, Aslan will be remembered in particular for their live shows and their remarkable connection with their audience."

Statement by President Higgins on the death of Christy Dignam https://t.co/H7VHqUKzzl pic.twitter.com/CabHWErESe

— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) June 13, 2023

"Christy was central to that connection, with his passionate performances ensuring a memorable night every time Aslan played – and there were many nights, with Christy and the band showing an endless dedication to touring throughout the country," he said.

In a statement, President Higgins added: "As a result, people in nearly every town in Ireland will have their own memories of seeing them play and will feel like they had a personal connection with Christy. Indeed, I will personally remember a typically memorable performance from Christy in Áras an Uachtaráin in 2016. Over recent years, all of us have been struck by the dignity with which Christy lived with his illness and admired his dedication in continuing to both perform and record, including his 2021 solo album, despite the challenges which he faced. It is hard to believe that he has left us."

May he rest in peace.