Pierce Brosnan has paid a touching tribute to the "greatest James Bond" Sean Connery following the 90-year-old actor's passing at the weekend.
Connery's son, Jason, told the BBC his father died peacefully in his sleep overnight while in the Bahamas, having been "unwell for some time".
Connery, who's great-grandfather was from Co Wexford, enjoyed many highlights during his long acting career, but he will always be remembered as the original secret agent 007, James Bond.
Brosnan, who starred in four Bond movies, has said that Connery "led the way for all who followed".
Posting a black and white image of Connery on Instagram, Brosnan wrote: "Sir Sean Connery, you were my greatest James Bond as a boy, and as a man who became James Bond himself. You cast a long shadow of cinematic splendour that will live on forever."
He went on: "You led the way for us all who followed in your iconic footsteps. Each man in his turn looked to you with reverence and admiration as we forged ahead with our own interpretations of the role."
"You were mighty in every way, as an actor and as a man, and will remain so till the end of time. You were loved by the world and will be missed. God bless, rest now, be at peace."
Representatives for Roger Moore, who played Bond from 1972 - 1985, also released a statement, which read: "How infinitely sad to hear the news Sir Sean Connery has passed away. He and Roger were friends for many decades and Roger always maintained Sean was the best ever James Bond. RIP."
Daniel Craig, who is currently playing Bond also paid tribute to Connery. Sharing a statement on the Bond films' official Twitter page he said: "It is with such sadness that I heard of the passing of one of the true greats of cinema. Sir Sean Connery will be remembered as Bond and so much more. He defined an era and a style.
He added: "The wit and charm he portrayed on screen could be measured in mega watts; he helped create the modern blockbuster."
