Gerry Adams pays tribute to Barney McKenna

Expressing condolences to the family and friends of Barney McKenna, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said:

"Barney McKenna, through his 50 years on the road with The Dubliners, made an enormous contribution to Irish music and culture. Almost single-handedly, Barney first gave the banjo a central place in Irish traditional and folk music and his skill was world class. From his Dublin childhood to his last days he was immersed in the culture of Irish music and song. Barney's patriotism was seamless and as well as a being a giant of Irish music he was an Irish republican. He regularly attended and performed at Easter commemorations and other republican events.