Olivia Kelleher
Former Lord Mayor of Cork Tim Falvey has died at his home this morning at the age of 87.
His son, well-known explorer Pat Falvey, confirmed the news on Instagram.
He said that his father had experienced a short illness and died "peacefully" with his family by his bedside.
He was nature’s gentleman, always friendly with a happy disposition
Taoiseach Micheál Martin paid tribute to the former mayor, describing him as a "dear friend".
"It was with great regret that I learned of the death of my dear friend, and former Lord Mayor of Cork, Tim Falvey," he 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.
"Tim’s death comes only a few short months after his beloved wife Abina passed away, someone who did so much charitable work in the city. My deepest sympathies go to his children Pat, Richard, Paul, Barry, Majella and Abina, and all his wider family and friends."
Confirming his father's death on Saturday morning, Pat Falvey wrote: "We mourn dad's death, but we also celebrate his amazing and eventful 87 year life as a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
"As the head of the family, his influence has impacted greatly on four generations of Falveys.
"Dad has left behind an amazing legacy to us all. It is a legacy of love, unity of family, and the important attributes of integrity and respect.
"He ingrained in us the power of positivity and optimism encouraging us to always see the glass 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."
Mr Falvey said it had been a privilege for the family to care for their father at home for the last few months and to spend time with him.
He thanked all those who assisted in the care of his father including Dr John Sheehan, community nurse Jo Keane, Daffodil nurses and the Marymount Palliative Care Centre.
'Roller coaster'
He said it had been a "roller coaster" period for their family following the death of their mother, Abina, in December of last year.
"Our dear parents were inseparable in life and they are surely reunited in heaven," he added.
Tim Falvey was a former Fianna Fáil councillor who served as Lord Mayor of Cork in 1994. He was a sitting councillor in the Cork North West Ward for over twenty years.
Mr Falvey was also an entrepreneur and a former director of the Port of Cork.
He is survived by his sons Pat, Richard, Paul and Barry and his daughters Majella and Abina. He had 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
His wife Abina, who died last year, was known for her charity work with many different organisations.
