Tributes have been paid to a 71-year-old who died in a cliff beauty spot fall tragedy in Co Antrim.
Alan Hope, from Whitehead, tragically died after losing his footing while out exploring near the Gobbins Cliff Walk in Islandmagee.
Alan, who was also known as 'Hoper', worked most of his life for the Government’s Ordnance Survey Department and often found himself on remote hilltops across the country looking for triangulation points.
Mr Hope was at a well-known look-out point on cliff path where he was exploring before he died.
Over the past number of hours, tributes have been made to the Co Antrim man who was described as "one of life’s characters".
Whitehead Golf Club, who had connections with Mr Hope, said: "Alan loved to play cards, he loved a drink, he loved to socialise and boy, did he love to dance!!
"He was a great athlete at school and had the most natural golf swing that you could ever see. He played off a low single figure handicap for years.
"Alan represented Whitehead Golf Club on many occasions and in his younger days reached the final of the Ulster Youths Championship, only to be beaten by the now famous, David Feherty."
The club added: "He was an extremely caring individual and that was plainly obvious in his caring of his terminally ill girlfriend, Jane. Caring for and loving her until her demise.
"Alan would never miss a funeral of anyone from Whitehead Golf Club. He was always there paying his respects to friends he had lost. Quietly in the background, saying his personal goodbyes.
"There are a great deal of happy stories and laughs that will be recalled about Alan. He will be missed by many around the club, but our thoughts go out to his family at this very sad time.
"Sleep well Hoper."
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