President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to David Shaw-Smith, acclaimed filmmaker and photographer, who's passed away at a nursing home in Ballinrobe following a long illness.
Mr Shaw-Smith and his wife Sally produced the award-winning TV series "Hands" for RTE in the 1970's.
President Higgins says "not only those who recall the wonderful texture of the film series ‘Hands’ but all those with an interest in Irish culture and history will have been deeply saddened on hearing of the death of David Shaw-Smith.
As a nation, we owe him a debt of gratitude for his work documenting the arts and crafts traditions across our island, as immortalised in the 28 documentaries in his ‘Hands’ series".
A native of Dublin, David Shaw-Smith lived near Lough Carra in Co Mayo, and passed away at the weekend.
Private family prayers and burial service will be held tomorrow at Burriscarra Abbey, while a celebration of his life will be held at a future date.
