President Michael D. Higgins said the death of Paddy Cole has brought the "the loss of one of the founding icons" of the showband era. "What Paddy Cole did for music and for jazz will be remembered across generations," the President added.
In a statement, the President made reference to Castleblayney as one of the places in Ireland famous for the artists it produced. "The significance of the showband era is perhaps one of the insufficiently recognised aspects of Irish music history," Michael D. Higgins wrote, "There are places that became famous because of the artists they produced. Castleblayney, always known as 'Blayney', is one such place for producing Paddy."
While paying his condolences to Paddy's wife, Helen and children Pat, Pearse and Karen, and "many friends" the President said he and his wife Sabina "counted and admired him as a friend". Ireland's president, who is known for his love of Irish culture and the arts also paid tribute to Paddy Cole's music and talent. "Paddy Cole's music was first class, with jazz of international quality," he said.
