The death of the poet, writer and broadcaster Pat Ingoldsby at the age of 82 has been confirmed by his family.
He died in a nursing home in Clontarf, Co Dublin.
The popular author was a familiar figure on RTÉ television for many years.
He hosted children's TV shows, wrote plays for the stage and for radio, published books of short stories and was a newspaper columnist.
His unique humorous style of writing won him legions of fans and his books were a favourite in school libraries across the country.
He was the subject of acclaimed 2022 documentary, The Peculiar Sensation of Being Pat Ingoldsby.
He was the second eldest in his family and is survived by his siblings, Michael, Dayo, Ann and Brigid.
Paying tribute to Mr Ingoldsby, President Michael D Higgins said: "Pat Ingoldsby's contribution was unique and particular, but incredibly inclusive.
"So many people will have memories of discussing his work with him on Westmoreland Street in Dublin."
President Higgins said Mr Ingoldsby will remain "in the memory of those across all ages who enjoyed his poetry, drama and performance".
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'Make Beckett look sane'
Brendan 'Brush' Shiels said Mr Ingoldsby's poetry skills were as impressive as his ability to entertain.
He made the comment as he spoke of his long-running friendship with Mr Ingoldsby and how their similar sense of humour was a key part of it.
Mr Shiels said they often had strange conversations "that always turned funny" and they enjoyed making things up as they went along.
"With the television shows, we used to go down to the wax museum and talk to the Pope and ad lib...We had all these conversations," he said.
"We fancied ourselves as half intellectuals. He was very funny," he added.
Mr Shiels said: "He wrote some great plays, great poetry.
"We used to laugh, he would say ‘we will make Beckett look sane’."
Mr Shiels said he had visited Mr Ingoldsby days before his death, adding that his friend had lost his sight but not his humour.
"Pat said to me I am glad to see you haven't lost your good looks. And he can't see at all," he said.
Mr Sheils said the last thing he said to his friend was: "Thanks. Thanks for the craic."
Additional reporting Karen Creed
