The puppeteer and children's television broadcaster, Eugene Lambert, has died at his home in Dublin, at the age of 82.
A native of Sligo, he is survived by his wife, Mai, and eight children.
Eugene Lambert and his family were the driving force behind 'Wanderly Wagon', RTÉ's best-remembered children's programme, which was first broadcast in 1967 and ran until 1982.
He was also founder and director of the Lambert Puppet Theatre, which was established in 1972.
In a statement, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen, paid tribute to Eugene Lambert.
He said: "Eugene Lambert was a master of the art of puppetry and Eugene's place in Irish theatre is unparalleled, both in the quality and uniqueness of his work as a puppeteer and ventriloquist and for the longevity of his contribution.
"His Puppet Theatre in Monkstown animated and intrigued generation after generation. Eugene was a natural storyteller whose words were entertaining and accessible to his young audiences."
"Eugene's legacy will live on through his talented family. With the support of his wife Mai and family, Eugene Lambert enriched the lives of both adults and children with such memorable work at his Theatre, in their tours around the country; in Jury's Cabaret and over many years on RTÉ television," the Minister added.
RTÉ Director-General Cathal Goan said: "The passing today of Eugene Lambert marks an end to a remarkable creative and public Irish career, which has touched the lives of countless Irish people young and old. RTÉ has been privileged and proud to have provided, through 'Wanderly Wagon' in particular, one of the many stages on which Eugene and has family demonstrated their talent and originality. They made puppetry a central part of Irish life both on screen and at the theatre through whose doors generations of Irish families have passed.
"Eugene would have been distinctive for his skills if he was a master puppeteer alone. But his aptitude for comedy, character and drama led him and his family to forge a body of work and give an amount of pleasure that was unique and memorable. The puppet characters in 'Wanderly Wagon' - Judge the dog, Mr Crow, Foxy Loxy, and the untrustworthy Ssneaky Ssnake are remembered with great fondness by generations of RTÉ viewers. Likewise 'Bosco' became a central figure in the lives of young children for a generation.
"On behalf of all in RTÉ I salute the talent and creativity, and the public contribution of Eugene Lambert; I recall with warmth and respect his long association with RTÉ; and above all I extend my sincere sympathies to the Lambert family."
