The actor is best known for playing Benjy in The Riordans.
The President is paying tribute to the actor, Kildare man, Tom Hickey who's died.
Michael D Higgins is describing him as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
Tom, from Naas, gave over six decades to his profession and leaves an indelible imprint on Irish theatre.
He says he will also be remembered for his role as Benjy in The Riordans and his other roles in television.
He also appeared in theatres in the UK and in many films, including Breakfast on Pluto, Inside I'm Dancing, Neil Jordan's The Butcher Boy and Raining Stones.
Tom Hickey became one of the founding members of the innovative Dublin Focus Theatre and made memorable contributions as an actor to productions in the Project Arts Centre in Dublin.
He also played football for Kildare in the early 1960s.
Athy and Kildare footballing great, Mick Carolan, played alongside Tom and joined Clem Ryan on Kildare Today, to share his recollections and pay tribute.

€1.2m Approved For Zipline And High Ropes Adventure Centre At Donadea
Fury After Sallins Sunshine Club Misses Out On Funding As Other Counties Get Millions
Christmas Appeal To Adopt Dogs As Euthanasia Figures Rise
Speed Enforcement To Increase In Kildare With 21 New Camera Zones To Be Rolled Out In January
Over 400 Motorists Caught Speeding So Far Today, Including A Driver In Kilcock
Transport Minister In Discussions With Irish Rail About Extending Late-Night Trains Beyond Christmas
Bus Shelters Treated As Luxury Rather Than Standard, With 500 Kildare Bus Stops In Need Of Upgrades
Recruitment Announcements Don’t Add Up As Garda Numbers Stagnant In Kildare South, Says Local TD