Tributes have been paid to granddad PJ Byrne, who was tragically killed in a car crash this morning.
Mr Byrne, aged in his 50s, was a caretaker at Cork's College of Commerce and was making his way to work this morning when his car collided with a fuel tanker in Midleton, Co Cork.
The adored grandfather was pronounced dead at the scene, Cork Beo reports.
College of Comm paid tribute to their caretaker, who was described as "a lovely man".
A post on their Facebook page said: "It is with a very heavy heart that we report this morning how shell shocked and sad we are as a college community to discover that one of our caretakers PJ Byrne was tragically killed in a car accident on his way to work.
"May he Rest In Peace. PJ was part of our family here and we took this pic of him with his darling grandson in happier times as he was so proud of his children and grandchildren. We are heartbroken for them all."
Former students and colleagues of PJ added to the tributes with fond memories from their time at the college.
Martin Lacey said: "As a former student at the Cork College of Commerce, I saw PJ nearly every day. He was a great laugh and will be missed by all who knew him. Condolences to all his family friends and work colleagues. RIP PJ."
While Lorraine O'Connell added: "This is so sad, what a lovely man, I remember him from my days in college of com, so helpful and polite, his poor family - heartbreaking. RIP."
Gardai responded to the crash this morning and a post-mortem is due to take place later today.
A spokesperson said: "The driver of the car, a male in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was removed to Cork University Hospital where a post mortem is due to take place at a later date.
"Forensic Collision Investigators are at the scene. The road remains closed with local diversions in place."
Funeral arrangements will be announced on RIP.ie in the near future.
