The death has been announced of the Kerry-born journalist and writer, Con Houlihan, who was regarded as one of Ireland's finest sports journalists. He was 86.
Writers, commentators and other representatives from the sporting world have been paying tribute, describing him as an inspiration.
Con Houlihan, who was from Castleisland in Co Kerry, wrote with authority on many subjects, most notably sport and literature, for more than 60 years.
His journalism featured in the Sunday World, the Evening Herald and the Irish Times.
However, it was his back page column and articles for the Evening Press which first attracted an enormous readership.
He was also a Latin and Greek scholar, and was admired for his knowledge of language, syntax and writing style.
He will be intrinsically linked to one of Ireland's most famous pubs, Mulligans, on Poolbeg Street in Dublin, where a plaque commemorating his life and journalism was erected several years ago.
Paying tribute to Con Houlihan, President Michael D Higgins said: "He was a most original writer, with a unique style based on his extensive knowledge of literature, politics, life and sport.
"As a sportswriter, who engaged us over the decades, he had that special quality and ability to identify with the passion, pain and celebration of Irish community life."
