A book of condolence has been opened in a North Dublin shop for a popular shopkeeper who died suddenly after chasing a shoplifter.
Known to many in the Drumcondra area for working in the Centra shop beside the train station - Akram the shopkeeper died suddenly today after suffering a heart attack.
Originally from Bangladesh, Akram is believed to have taken ill while chasing after a shoplifter this morning.
And local resident Clare Gormley has set up a condolence book for the community to pay their respects to Akram in his shop.
Writing on Facebook, she said: "I have set up a book of condolence in Centra in memory of Akram it will be sent to his family in Bangladesh.
"May Akram rest in peace. You will be always in our thoughts."
Journalist Cianan Brennan described Akram as an "utter gentleman" and a "ray of light".
He said: "This morning the man who ran our local shop died suddenly. He chased a shoplifter and his heart gave out. He was an utter gentleman, a ray of light thru all this shit, and like a summer Santa to our kids. I'm a little heartbroken. Life is fragile. RIP Akram."
And others paid tribute to a kind and friendly man who was very good to his customers.
Journalist Jack Horgan-Jones added: "Heartbreaking and utterly tragic. His kindness to kids, cheer and friendliness is how he should be remembered. Ar dheis Dé."
While another person added: "Akram was kind to everyone he met, but particularly kind to the young and older customers. He remembered everyone - older people who lived locally particularly - even when they moved to nursing homes or after passing on, he still thought of them and asked after them.
"Akram was both the quintessential gentleman and quintessential local shopkeeper. He epitomised the very best of both. Originally from Bangladesh, he became an important part of Drumcondra by virtue of his personal character - he was truly a first citizen of Drumcondra."
One person in the local Drumcondra Social group said: "This is such sad news. Centra won’t be the same without him."
While another added: "Very sad news, the fact that everyone knows him shows how nice a person he was, always gave my lil girl free sweets. May he rip."
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