Tributes have pured in for a well-known priest and campaigner has died at the age of 55 following a battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Father Tony Coote, from Kilmacud, rose to prominence after taking on a 550km walk from Donegal to Cork to raise funds for research into the disease.
His 'Walk While You Can' challenge raised €600,00.
Cameras followed his progress for an RTE documentary which shows his courage as he opened up about facing death.
The cleric led a growing army of supporters on his journey from Letterkenny to Ballydehob alongside his brothers Kieran, Pat and David.
Even though he knew he was deteriorating, Fr Tony refused to take a break and even stopped off to say Mass in Knock.
He said: “I always believed life is a journey to a destination and that destination is heaven. I’m not going as slowly as I thought to that destination.
“Even with my illness I still treasure what I have. It’s a different kind of life but I treasure it.”
Tributes have poured in for Father Tony following his sad death.
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin offered his condolences in a message which read: "Tony showed all of us how strength can be witnessed even in the face of human weakness.
"His courage and determination touched the hearts of people of all backgrounds."
Chief Executive of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association Róisín Duffy also shared a tribute to Fr Coote.
She said: "From the moment he was diagnosed, Fr Tony Coote not only bore his illness with tremendous dignity, he also became a tireless advocate for everyone living with MND."
A 'Walk While You Can' event will be held on September 14 in memory of Fr Coote.
