Tributes have been paid to the founder of the ‘Cork Rocks’ events for upcoming bands following his unexpected death over the weekend.

Cork Rocks was put in place in 2010 by local theatre technician Stephen Manning.

The aim is to showcase and promote upcoming Cork based original talent. Young bands have been given the opportunity to showcase their music at the Cork Opera House and the Everyman Palace.

Mr Manning of Blarney Street in Cork and formerly of Ballyphehane in the city died unexpectedly last Friday.

His requiem mass will take place at 2pm tomorrow at the Church of the Assumption in Ballyphehane, Cork with cremation following at the Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy. Mourners are asked to donate funds to mental health charity, Aware, in lieu of flowers.

Tributes were paid today to Mr Manning on the PJ Coogan radio show on Cork’s 96FM. Mr Coogan said Stephen Manning’s loss was deeply felt by his family and his many friends in theatre and music.

“He was a great friend to Cork’s music industry. May he rest in peace.”

Tributes were also paid to the father of six online by, amongst others, Cork Rocks, the Montfort College of Performing Arts and event management agency Crux Entertainment

Mr Manning is survived by his partner Maeve and their children.