Former Lord Mayor of Cork Tim Falvey has died peacefully at his home in Clogheen, Cork, after a short illness.
Mr Falvey, who died aged 87, was Lord Mayor of Cork in 1994 and served as a City Councillor in the Cork North West Ward for over 20 years.
He was also a successful entrepreneur in the northside of Cork for over 50 years and served as Director at the Port of Cork for several years.
Speaking about his father, Cork adventurer Pat Falvey said his father has left behind “an amazing legacy.”
“He ingrained in us the power of positivity, and optimism, encouraging us to always see the glass as half full.
"He also taught us to live life with passion, and to have monastic patience, showing us that no matter how bad things are, we have the resilience to fight back.”
“As a family we have been privileged to care for Dad at home for the last few months and to get this time with him, and our sympathies are with those who could not be with their parents through these strange COVID times.”
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin paid tribute to his "dear friend" and former colleague.
In a statement, the TD for Cork South Central said; "We served together for many years on Cork City Council and Tim was a true son of the north side of the city.
"He was nature’s gentleman, always friendly with a happy disposition.
"He was practical and always willing to find solutions to difficult issues."
So sad to hear of the passing of my dear friend, and former Lord Mayor of Cork Tim Falvey.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) May 15, 2021
We spent many years together on Cork City Council - and Tim always served the people with loyalty and distinction.
My deepest sympathies go to all his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/lXUw2TSHXI
Lord Mayor Cllr. Joe Kavanagh has also paid tribute to former Lord Mayor Falvey.
“I’m greatly saddened to hear of Tim’s passing. Tim was a successful Northside business man and will be remembered for his deep love of his native city, his dedication to his wife Bina and family and his commitment and loyalty to his community.
"On my own behalf, on behalf of my fellow and former City Councillors and on behalf of the staff of Cork City Council I would like to express my sympathy and condolences to his family at this sad time.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence Simon Coveney also paid his respects to former Lord Mayor Falvey.
In a tweet, the Minister and Fine Gael TD for Cork said; "My condolences to the family and friends of Tim Falvey. He’ll be missed and remembered by so many across #Cork."
My condolences to the family and friends of Tim Falvey. He’ll be missed and remembered by so many across #Cork. https://t.co/MPM2qd1M2P
— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) May 15, 2021
Councillor Tony Fitzgerald also expressed his sympathies, describing Mr Falvey as a 'very proud family man, Lord Mayor and North Mon boy'.
Cork City Council will open an online Book Of Condolences at 10.00 on Monday at www.corkcity.ie.
The National Flag will fly at half-mast at City Hall until the funeral takes place, at which Lord Mayor Kavanagh and Chief Executive, Ann Doherty, will represent Cork City Council.
Former Lord Mayor Falvey is survived by his sons Pat, Richard, Paul and Barry and his daughters Majella and Abina, 15 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. His wife Abina, who was well-known and respected for her charity work, passed away last year.
Funeral arrangements will follow on RIP.IE, and a book of condolences will be opened on condolence.ie.
Complying with COVID rules, the funeral mass at the Church of The Ascension, Gurranabraher, Cork will be private and will be streamed for those wishing to attend.