Ireland's President today paid tribute to the actress Maureen O'Hara, who has died aged 95.
The Irish beauty, who appeared in such classic films as The Quiet Man and How Green Was My Valley, died in her sleep today at her home in Boise, Idaho, her manager, Johnny Nicoletti, said.
Michael D Higgins, who is on an eight-day official visit to the United States, said: "I have learned with great sadness of the death of the actress Maureen O'Hara. She will be remembered as an outstanding and versatile actress, whose work especially in film, will endure for many years to come.
"She received her early training at the Abbey Theatre, and went on to become an artist whose talents were recognised and appreciated all around the world.
"I especially remember with affection her recent visit to Aras an Uachtarain (the presidential residence), when we discussed among other things her great love of Ireland and her strong family links to Shamrock Rovers."
O'Hara went to Hollywood to star in 1939's The Hunchback of Notre Dame and had a long career. How Green Was My Valley, a touching 1941 drama about a Welsh mining family, won five Oscars including best picture.
She became John Wayne's favourite leading lady, appearing with him in The Quiet Man and other films.
She is survived by a daughter in Ireland.