A marathon runner and wildlife ranger who ran to fundraise for cancer research and treatment has died aged 55.
In 1987, Pat O'Connell from Killarney, Co Kerry, nursed a rare American bald eagle back to health and returned it to the US, an event that received huge publicity here and there.
He raised more than €1 million for various cancer charities and hospitals in the 1980s. He was inspired after his sister, Marie, died from Hodgkin's disease in 1972. He developed the same disease five years afterwards, but recovered.
Mr O'Connell ran more than 20 marathons, in Ireland and in Boston, New York, Chicago and London, to raise the money from sponsorship.
His personal battle with cancer and illness lasted more than 30 years, during which he had two liver transplants.
Killarney mayor Tom Doherty said: "Pat O'Connell was a great fighter who never gave up and overcame his own personal suffering, a truly inspiring figure who left his mark."
He died yesterday at St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin.
He is survived by his wife, Rosemary, and their three daughters.