Christy made an enormous contribution to the cultural life of Ireland'

President leads tributes to rock legend

- SANDRA MALLON 

CHRISTY Dignam's heartbroken daughter has said her father went through a "courageously long-fought battle" as she announced the death of the music legend.

President Michael D Higgins led tributes to the Aslan singer who he said brought an enormous contribution to the cultural life of our nation".

In a statement on Facebook yesterday, the Aslan singer's daughter Kiera said: "On behalf of my family, it is with a broken heart that we convey the news of my father's passing, Christy Dignam. Dad peacefully left us where he wanted to, at home today 4pm Tuesday, June 13th 2023, after a courageously long-fought battle, surrounded by his family.

"We ask that you honour our family's need for privacy during this immensely painful period.

"Let us all hold him in our hearts and cherish the remarkable life of a talented singer, great storyteller and amazing person.

"We thank you so much for your love and support shown to us. Kathryn, Kiera, Darren, Cian, Ava, Jake and our extended family x.

Crazy World hitmaker Christy, 63, had been receiving palliative care since December after he spent six months in Dublin's Beaumont Hospital.

Christy had been battling amyloidosis, a rare blood disorder since 2013. Last July, the star was admitted to hospital under the care of the Haematology and Cardiac Care team.

The Finglas native was discharged from hospital in December, and his family announced in January he was receiving palliative care.

In a brief statement, Aslan wrote: "We are beyond devastated to have lost not just our band member, but our friend Christy, that we have had so many, many years of sharing our lives with.

"The band and Christy's family ask for you to respect their privacy at this time." President Higgins said in a statement: "People across Ireland and beyond will have heard with great sadness of the death of Christy Dignam.