Taoiseach Micheál Martin has paid tribute to former Lord Mayor of Cork Donal Counihan who has died.
Mr Counihan died yesterday at Marymount Hospice in the city following a short illness.
In a statement, the Taoiseach said Mr Counihan was "a tremendous community activist and cared deeply about his community and city".
"Donal was passionate about Cork. He was a wonderful public representative and was in politics for all the right reasons, to improve the lives of the people and community he represented," Mr Martin said.
He said Mr Counihan "was a wonderful public representative, a warm and convivial man who left a significant mark on Cork and on Fianna Fáil" and that he was "a wise and valued friend" who would be greatly missed.
A long-serving Fianna Fáil party member, Mr Counihan was a party activist from 1959. He canvassed for Éamon de Valera as a young boy.
He was first elected to what was then the Cork Corporation in 1979 and served as a city councillor. He represented the people of the city's south east ward on several councils across the next three decades.
Mr Counihan served as Lord Mayor of Cork in 2007-2008 and remained active in party politics and in community and civic life.
The current Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Fergal Dennehy, said that it was with "deep sadness" that he learned of the death of Mr Counihan.
"Donal was committed to public service, to local government and to Cork city."
Donal’s term as Lord Mayor was characterised by dignity and integrity - traits he displayed throughout his political and private life.
"He had a strong connection to many voluntary groups, to charities and local organisations, and he was a great supporter of the many social, cultural, and sporting initiatives across the city."
Mr Dennehy said that Mr Counihan will be remembered not only for how he held office, but for the manner in which he treated people.
"He was always open and approachable.
"His dedication to Cork and to its people will long be remembered, and his contribution to civic life remains an important part of the city’s story.
"I would like to extend my condolences to his family, his friends, and all who knew him.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Labour Party councillor Peter Horgan said that he was saddened to hear of the death of Mr Counihan.
He said that Mr Counihan "always had a kind word" whenever they met.
A book of condolences will be opened in City Hall later this week.
Mr Counihan, who was late of Ballinlough and Blackrock in Cork, is survived by his wife Breda, his adult children Niamh, Gillian and Kieran, his siblings Marie and Sr Bride, his five grandchildren, his brother-in-law Paddy Goulding, his sons and daughter-in-law, nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
He will lie in repose at Temple Hill Funeral Home on Boreenmanna Road in Cork city on Thursday from 4pm to 5pm.
A requiem mass for Mr Counihan will take place at noon on Friday in St Michael’s Church in Blackrock, with burial following St Finbarr’s Cemetery in Cork city.
