Taoiseach Micheál Martin has led tributes to former mayor of County Cork Councillor Joe Carroll following his death.
Mr Carroll, who served as mayor in 2024, died after a short illness.
A member of Fianna Fáil, Councillor Carroll was first elected to Cork County Council in June 2004, representing the Skibbereen-West Cork local electoral area.
However, his career in public life began in 1999 when he was elected to Skibbereen Town Council.
A native of Dunmanway, Councillor Carroll lived in Skibbereen for most of his life with his wife, Sheila and their family.
Prior to his political career, he worked as a bus driver with CIE and later as a publican.
He was said to be deeply committed to improving quality of life in West Cork and worked tirelessly to support tourism, improve infrastructure, champion local businesses, and create opportunities for young people.
Councillor Carroll represented Cork County Council on the Southern Regional Assembly from its establishment in 2014.
He served as the cathaoirleach of the assembly in 2019, playing a key role in the adoption of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region.
He also served as Chair of the Western Committee, the council's Housing Strategic Policy Committee and was a member of the Corporate Policy Group and the Tourism Strategic Policy Committee.
Paying tribute, the Taoiseach said Councillor Carroll was "an institution" in Cork politics, both in his home area of West Cork and beyond.
Mr Martin said: "He was gregarious and very hard-working. Always on the ground, Joe was a natural public representative.
"He cared deeply and passionately about his community and the people he represented. He advocated tirelessly for them and worked to improve the lives of the communities and people he represented. Joe had a tremendous understanding of all issues that impacted on the people within his electoral area.
"Right throughout his public life, Joe was a true champion for Skibbereen, supporting local business and enterprise."
Meanwhile, the Mayor of the County of Cork, Mary Linehan Foley said Mr Carroll served his community with distinction over many years.
Mayor Linehan Foley said: "We feel profound sorrow at the loss of our wonderful colleague Councillor Joe Carroll.
"He was a fixture of Cork County Council's business for many years and a distinctive voice in the chamber. He cared deeply about his community.
"Not only was he held in the highest regard by his fellow councillors, but the respect he earned from his constituents was clearly reflected at the polls," Ms Linehan Foley added.
Moira Murrell, Chief Executive of Cork County Council, said: "Councillor Carroll devoted a significant portion of his life to public service, serving the people of West Cork with dedication, integrity and care.
"His contribution has left a lasting legacy - politically, professionally and personally - on all who worked with him and on the communities he represented.
"He will be remembered with great fondness by his colleagues and by all staff. Cork County Council extends its sincere sympathies to his wife Sheila and family, his elected member colleagues and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him."
Cork County Council has said details regarding the opening of a book of condolence will be announced in due course.
