Popular Galway councillor Michael "Stroke" Fahy has passed away after a short illness.
Tributes have flooded in for the "legendary" local politician after his death on Tuesday night.
The Ardrahan native is one of the longest serving local politicians in the country, having first been elected to his post with the council in 1979.
Fahy contested the 2016 General Election as an Independent candidate in the Galway East constituency.
Fellow representative on the Loughrea area of the Galway County Council Joe Byrne was shocked by the news, and praised a "legend" of local politics.
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Byrne said: "Hard to comprehend the news tonight that Cllr Michael the Stroke Fahy has died.
"A colleague in Galway County Council for the past five years I first remember Michael meeting my father Toddie in 1979 before his first council election.
"He served the people of South Galway with distinction for 40 years.
"I will reflect further when I get over the shock. A legend in local politics and a true friend, may he Rest In Peace."
Local election candidate for Kinvara PJ Murphy also paid tribute to Fahy, and hailed his "tireless" work for the residents of Ardrahan.
He said: "It was with great shock and sadness that I learned of the sudden passing of Cllr. Michael “Stroke” Fahy late last night.
"Michael Fahy has been long-standing public representative on Galway County Council for the parishes of South Galway.
"He worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents, and particularly for the people of Ardrahan."
