Penny Dinners coordinator mourns death of volunteer

Cork Penny Dinners coordinator Catriona Twomey has paid tribute to a volunteer who died suddenly on Friday night 

Lithuanian native, Arunas Butkus, who was in his 50s, was found dead on Oliver Plunkett Street, close to the Cork Simon centre.

Ms Twomey said Arunas was quite ill “with a lot of illnesses going on” and a heart condition.

The Penny Dinner coordinator said Arunas was “very tired by his suffering and was on massive amounts of medication” 

Ms Twomey said he was also well-loved and volunteered at Penny Dinners, making up hampers for struggling families.

“He loved fishing and would go any chance he got. He loved music and was a big fan of the High Hopes Choir. He also loved cooking dishes from his own country and had a great sense of humour.” 

The veteran Penny Dinner’s volunteer closed the message saying: “Rest in Peace Runi Rest in Love Sweetheart.”