Fundraiser launched to help cover funeral costs of popular Cork barber Ahmet

A fundraiser has been launched to cover the funeral costs of popular Cork barber Ahmet Kizilay, who died suddenly over the weekend.

Mr Kizilay, 58, of Ahmet’s Barber Shop on Marlboro St, died on Saturday following a heart attack.

The barber, originally from Turkey, previously worked at various venues throughout Cork city and county before opening his own salon in 2014.

Mr Kizilay was a well-known and well-respected member of the barber industry, with a number of high-profile clients from the worlds of sport, theatre, TV, radio, politics, and business.

Hanging in his store window are photographs of him with many prominent Irish figures, including former President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, and former Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr Martin said he was “deeply saddened to hear of Ahmet’s passing”.

“I would regularly bump into him on my way to the English Market or into town to shop,” said Mr Martin.

“He always had a friendly smile on his face and gave us a wave.

“He was very courteous, a very kind man, who was part of the street culture in Cork.

“I think he will be missed. He was the type of fellow that makes retail, shopping, and the whole urban experience what it is.”

Paul Kavanagh, a close friend of Mr Kizilay, said he was a highly trusted individual, operating as “the unofficial Turkish consulate in Cork for the last 12 years”.

“People from his homeland would come to the shop to find out where to buy something, what to do, or where to find work,” added Mr Kavanagh.

“He was a brilliant networker — if you wanted to know what was going on in the city centre, you asked Ahmet.

“He would have all the gossip and rumours better than any hairdresser.

“He always had a smile on his face and was the best barber in Cork.”

Another friend of Mr Kizilay, Furkan Akdeniz, who created the fundraiser, said he will be “forever remembered and never forgotten”.

“During this incredibly difficult time, we are coming together to support his family with the funeral arrangements and related expenses, helping them to give Ahmet the respectful and peaceful farewell he deserves,” added Mr Akdeniz.

A fundraising target of €11,000 has been set, with more than €9,600 raised at the time of writing.

To find out more and make a donation to the fundraiser, search ‘Ahmet Kizilay Funeral’ on www.gofundme.com.