‘A pure and proud Corkonian’: Tributes paid to Leeside legend Frank O'Flaherty following his passing

Leeside legend Frank O'Flaherty, often spotted feeding the pigeons around Daunt Square, has been remembered as a “pure and proud Corkonian” who was “very well loved and respected” following his passing.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Kieran McCarthy, led the tributes to the northside native, describing him as a “pure and proud Corkonian with a great love for Cork”.

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould, living near Mr O'Flaherty in Gurranabraher, said his passing will be felt deeply in the local community.

“He’ll be a big loss around the Gurranabraher/northside area because he was very well loved and respected.

“He used to clean a well called the All Saints’ Well [near Blarney]. He used to go out there and help maintain it.

“He loved feeding the pigeons. He was always around with his dog talking to people,” he said.

The Cork North Central TD said the late Mr O’Flaherty was a well known community activist who got involved in a number of different movements including the campaign against water charges and protests over the cost of living crisis.

“You’d always see Frank out with his placard,” he said. “He was always a man for the underdog.”