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.
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