President Michael D Higgins has led tributes to one of Ireland's best known psychiatrists, Professor Ivor Browne, who died today.
The former Professor of Psychiatry at UCD and Chief Psychiatrist of the Eastern Health Board has been described as a pioneer in the area of mental health in Ireland.
President Higgins described him "as a visionary and radical psychiatrist who left a profound mark on the understanding and attitudes to mental illness in Ireland".
He said: "Ivor Browne liberated countless individuals in institutional care and introduced a number of pioneering ground-breaking therapies to Ireland."
Prof Browne was the subject of a documentary ""Meetings with Ivor", directed by Alan Gilsenan who remembers his great warmth and sense of humour.
"He was a radical figure, intellectual ,very sharp and extraordinarily open and inspiring," he said.
Mr Gilsenan said he has many memories, but one that stands out today is Ivor making brown bread with his own special recipe in his kitchen.
"He was a man with a huge heart. It has been an honour and joy to have known him and his hugs will echo forever," he said.
Mark O'Brien, executive Director of the Abbey theatre tweeted on X: "What an extraordinary man. His legacy so great and profound. Condolence to his family and friends."
Professor Browne's books include 'Music and Madness' and 'The Writings of Ivor Browne’.
He also conceived and was director of the Irish Foundation for Human Development.
As well as being one of Ireland’s leading psychiatrists, he was also a talented musician.
Prof Ivor Browne was censured by the Medical Council over his role in the Father Michael Cleary affair in 1996 after he spoke out in support of Phyllis Hamilton who revealed her affair with Fr Cleary.
He died at his Ranelagh home this morning surrounded by his family and friends.
He is survived by children Ronan, Garvan, Daragh and Tierna as well as stepchildren Diane Reid, Mike and Adam Levine.
A celebration of life Service, followed by cremation, will take place at Mount Jerome Crematorium, on Monday, 29 January.
