The funeral of Seán Potts, who was a founding member of Irish band The Chieftains, is due to take place in his native Dublin later on Friday.
Potts was best known for playing the tin whistle with the world-renowned traditional music group that he helped form in Dublin in 1962.
He left The Chieftains in 1979 and later became the honorary president of Na Píobairí Uilleann (association of uilleann pipers).
'Greatly missed' The association has offered its "sincere condolences to his family and to his many friends".
"Seán worked tirelessly all of his life to promote the uilleann pipes and Irish traditional music," it said in a statement.
"He will be greatly missed by the staff, board and members of Na Píobairí Uilleann."
Potts started his musical career as a member of the Irish traditional band, Ceoltóirí Chualann.
After forming a friendship with fellow whistle-player Paddy Moloney in the 1950s, the pair helped form The Chieftains, a group that Moloney still leads.
To date, the group has toured the world, recorded 58 albums, and won six Grammy awards.
Potts, who also played percussion instruments such as the bones and the bodhrán, left The Chieftains after struggling with the pressures of touring.
The band's website says his departure was prompted by a "particularly hair raising episode when flying through a storm in 1979 during their North American tour".
He later formed his own traditional music group - Bakerswell, which also toured the US.
Potts is survived by his wife, Bernie, and his four children.
His funeral service is due to take place at 11:30 GMT at the Church of Our Lady Help of Christians on Navan Road, Dublin.
After Requiem Mass he will be buried at Dardistown Cemetery.
