Tributes have flooded in for a much-loved Irish publican who tragically passed away after contracting coronavirus.
The community of Kinsale, Co. Cork was left shocked and saddened following the passing of well-known publican Seamus O'Connor from complications after contracting Covid-19.
Mr O'Connor was originally from Kerry but had long been associated with Kitty O'Sé's pub in the harbour town, where he was a very popular figure and much-loved by a large and loyal local clientele, as well as the many visitors who flocked to Kinsale in the summer.
It's understood that Mr O'Connor had been in a serious condition in hospital, battling the coronavirus when he died suddenly from a heart attack, Cork Beo reports
His good friend Cyril Kavanagh, the well-known, sombrero-wearing Cork GAA fan, said everybody has been shocked by Seamus's passing.
"We had heard that he was very bad, but had been doing better over the weekend, and then yesterday we got the call to say that Seamus had passed away," said Cyril.
"He will be greatly missed. There's one small word that would have summed-up Seamus like no other, and that's 'gent'. He was a true gentleman."
"He was honest, decent, hard-working, always had a great welcome for people. He was a bit of a rogue and a fine chanter, he loved a bit of craic, a bit of banter and a ballhop with people."
Cyril said he really got to know Seamus through the GAA. A staunch Kerry football supporter, Seamus O'Connor was originally from Kilcummin in Killarney and few things got him as excited as a good Munster final featuring the Kingdom and the Rebels.
"He loved a Munster final with Cork and Kerry," said Cyril.
"He'd have the Kerry colours on, he be having a lot of craic and banter with the Cork fans, he'd have a few songs and he loved to see the Kingdom win".
"He was part and parcel of Kinsale, I know he will be greatly missed by all there".
Seamus O'Connor will be remembered as a very successful businessman - he had recently opened a second pub in his native Kerry - and a tireless promoter of Kinsale.
Seamus is survived by his partner Eileen, his four children and four grandchildren. Because of the current restrictions, the funeral will be private to family. But his family and friends will gather for a memorial mass a future date.
