Taoiseach Micheál Martin has paid tribute to former Waterford councillor Seán Dower, who was heavily involved in many different aspects of public life in the county.
Mr Dower served as a Fianna Fáil councillor on the former Waterford Corporation from 1999 to 2004.
He previously held the position of chairperson of the party’s Waterford branch.
The Taoiseach said Mr Dower “embodied the best of public service” and he described him as a “wise and caring man.”
Mr Dower was also highly respected within the arts community.
He served as chairperson of the Waterford International Festival of Light Opera and volunteered annually with the Spraoi International Street Arts Festival.
Mr Dower was also a life-long member of Mount Sion GAA Club.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Councillor Liam Brazil opened a book of condolences for Mr Dower saying this would offer the public the opportunity to express their sympathy to his family.
In May, Mr Dower was presented with a long service award and centenary medal by the Taoiseach for his work in the Fianna Fáil party at an event organised by Government Chief Whip and local TD Mary Butler to commemorate the founding of the party in Waterford.
Paying tribute, the Taoiseach said he was “very sorry” to learn of the death of his “friend, former councillor and chair of Waterford Fianna Fáil CDC.”
“Seán Dower was a friend for many years. Seán loved his community and both as a councillor, and subsequently worked hard to improve the lives of his fellow citizens.
“Seán contributed greatly to Fianna Fáil. He chaired our constituency executive for many years. He also worked tirelessly with many other local organisations.
Seán Dower’s funeral is due to take place on Friday
“I met Seán in early May when I had the pleasure of presenting him with a lifetime service award on behalf of Fianna Fáil.
“Seán believed in getting things done and he did so in an effective, understated and caring way. He was a wise man, great company and a good friend to all of us in Fianna Fáil.
“On my own behalf, and on behalf of the Fianna Fáil organisation, I offer my deepest sympathy to Seán’s wife, Margaret, his children Jaimie, Adrian and Corinna, his grandchildren along with the wider Dower family,” the Taoiseach said.
Deputy Butler also paid tribute to Mr Dower describing him as a mentor.
“Seán was a wonderful friend to me, a supporter, a canvasser, and mentor. He had a keen political mind and was always very level headed and balanced even in the midst of intense campaigns and elections.
“He held a deep understanding of political life, the daily challenges, the highs and the lows.
“He was also a strong community man and contributed significantly to all aspects of local life.
“He was a man of the highest calibre and truly one of nature’s gentlemen. He will be dearly missed by all in Fianna Fáil and Waterford,” Ms Butler added.
In a post on social media, the organisers of the Spraoi festival said it was with “great sadness” that they learned of Mr Dower’s death.
“Seán was a wonderful man who made a huge contribution to Waterford throughout his life. He will be sorely missed by all at Spraoi,” they said.
“As a mark of respect, Spraoi’s planned programme launch for this coming Friday is being deferred.”