'He was a genuinely nice guy who worked so hard,'   Tributes paid to well-known Cork businessman Jim Hanley

Tributes have been paid following the unexpected death of prominent Cork businessman, Jim Hanley.

Mr Hanley, who founded Hanley’s Home & Garden Centre in 1997, died at home in Douglas on Sunday.

He is survived by his children, Keith and Jason, their mother Patsy, his grandchildren Leigh, Rory, Robert, Ava and Lily-Mai, daughters-in-law Susan and Lorraine, brothers Noel and Joe, cousin Brendan, and his extended family and friends, especially Kay.

Speaking to The Echo, Fianna Fáil councillor for the Cork City South Central ward, Paudie Dineen said Mr Hanley will be “sadly missed by all”.

“The community of Grange, Frankfield and the surrounding areas are shocked to hear of Jim Hanley’s sudden passing,” said Mr Dineen.

“Jim was a well-known businessman who greeted everyone to his iconic shop with a smile, advice and assistance.

“My sincere condolences, and those of the community, are extended to his family, friends and neighbours.

“He will be sadly missed by all - may he rest in heavenly peace.” 

A representative of The Field Golf Society at The Tory Top Bar on the Pearse Rd said members “have been shocked to learn of the sudden passing of Jim Hanley”.

“Jim was known to everyone in Frankfield and Douglas who ever bought a bag of coal, a Barna shed or one of his patio sets,” the spokesperson said.

“He was a genuinely nice guy who worked so hard to build his business.

“He was putting out Christmas trees only in the last few days.

“May we express our deepest sympathies at this sad time.” 

Fine Gael councillor for the Cork City South Central ward, Shane O’Callaghan said his “thoughts and prayers are with Jim’s friends and family at this difficult time”.

“My heart goes out to the Hanley family,” said Mr O’Callaghan.

“It’s very sad, particularly at this time of the year, it’s a terrible tragedy – it was so unexpected.

“People I’ve been speaking to are in shock about what’s happened.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Jim’s friends and family at this difficult time.” 

Mr Hanley will be reposing at Forde's Funeral Home on the South Gate Bridge tomorrow from 5pm until 6pm.

A Requiem Mass will be held on Thursday at the Church of the Incarnation in Frankfield from 10.30am, which may be viewed online, followed by his funeral at St Michael’s Cemetery in Blackrock.