Ireland’s Grande Dame of singing, Veronica Dunne, has died

Dr Veronica Dunne, known to most as Ronnie, made her operatic debut at the age of 21 in Dublin and dedicated her entire life to the art.

As well as performing all over the world, Ronnie Dunne discovered and nurtured the talents of others.

She was a vocal teacher at the then-Dublin College of Music as well as at the Leinster School of Music and the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

Despite officially retiring from teaching in 1992, Dr Dunne was still teaching full-time in 2014.

At the age of 87, Dr Dunne was presented with the National Concert Hall Lifetime Achievement Award by President Michael D Higgins.

Such was her dedication to encouraging the voices and talents of others, the Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition was established in 1995.

A statement from the Veronica Dunne Singing Competition said she was an "amazing legend".

They said today was a very, very sad day not only for them but for lovers of opera throughout Ireland and beyond.

The triennial international competition which sees talented singers compete on a global stage was created to honour the beloved singer's lifetime of work.

Past winners of the competition include Orla Boylan, Tara Erraught, Simon O’Neill, Pumeza Matshikiza and Sarah-Jane Brandon.

President Higgins said Dr Dunne developed the competition "guided by her warmth, passion and energy".

"Throughout her life, Dr Veronica Dunne captivated millions with her singing.

"The legacy she leaves lies in the talents of those scores of others whose talents and performances she unlocked with her enthusiasm, energy and commitment as a teacher and friend."

The Royal Irish Academy of Music remarked that is was an immense privilege to know and work with Dr Dunne during her tenure at the school.

"The extraordinary life force of Veronica Dunne, her passion for singing and her generosity of spirit will live on through all her remarkable students," the school said.

Arts minister Catherine Martin called Dr Dunne a real trailblazer and an utterly inspiring woman.

"She leaves in her wake a long line of gifted singers and inspired generations of musicians worldwide," Ms Martin said.

Minister Josepha Madigan said Dr Dunne was a lifelong servant to the arts in Ireland.

"Her contribution to opera was immeasurable and her international reputation helped forge the careers of many singers who are world renowned today," said Ms Madigan.

Irish band Ardú said her teaching inspired many fantastic Irish singers saying her legacy would live on in her students.

Former student Padraic Rowan paid tribute to his first singing teacher: "'I'll take ya on, lovey', were her words to me after my audition. I'm so glad she did! The end of an era indeed."

The RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra said they were deeply saddened by Dr Dunne's passing.

"Ronnie was immense, so loved as a teacher, a mentor, a friend, a colleague and as an indomitable supporter of singers and singing. Her loss will be felt by so many in Ireland and beyond."

Irish conductor Niall Kinsella said her passing was the end of an era.

"She brought such incredible knowledge to her work: she sang many Puccini roles under their original conductors. She always said: 'I got it from the horse's mouth!'," said Mr Kinsella.