Tributes were paid last night to well known art historian John Hunt who has died following an illness.
The 47-year-old father of three was a founding director of the Hunt Museum in Limerick, which opened to the public in 1997.
His parents, John and Gertrude Hunt, had established the Hunt collection, which consists of more than 2,000 works of art and antiquities, dating from the Neolithic period to the 20th century.
The Hunt family was also central in the development of Irish heritage sites such as Lough Gur, Bunratty and Craggaunowen.
Born in Limerick in 1957, Mr Hunt is survived by his wife Patricia and their three young children, Jack, Paddy and Miriam.
He died on Sunday night in Dublin. He had been ill for some time.
Last night the director of the Hunt Museum, Ms Virginia Teehan, paid tribute to a man whose "personal energy, liveliness and vision" will never be forgotten.
"John, in particular, recognised the artistic, educational and historic value of their unique collection of art and antiquities and wished it would remain intact and be exhibited for public viewing," said Ms Teehan.
"John's personal energy, liveliness and vision will be remembered with fondness by all those associated with the museum since its inception over 10 years ago."
Mr Hunt and his sister, Ms Trudy Hunt, remained on the board of the Hunt Museum until earlier this year when they stepped aside for the duration of an investigation into allegations that some of the art in the collection may have been looted by Nazis. So far, nothing has emerged to substantiate these claims.
As well as his association with the museum, Mr Hunt worked in the arts sector as a critic and journalist for many years.
He was visual arts critic for RTÉ radio's The Arts Show and its successor, Rattlebag. He also worked as arts correspondent for Lyric FM.
As a print journalist, John Hunt worked with Circa and the Evening Echo. He also served on a number of boards including the Island Theatre Company and was the chairman of the Tyrone Guthrie Centre in Co Monaghan.
In 2001 John was awarded a gold medal by the Royal Hibernian Academy in recognition of his unique and special contribution to Irish arts.
In 1997 he and his sister were awarded the freedom of the city of Limerick.
Last night the Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Michael Hourigan, paid tribute to a man he described as an "outstanding cultural ambassador" for Limerick.
"What the late John Hunt and his sister, and their parents before them, did for Limerick fully merited the freedom of the city that was conferred on the brother and sister.
"But John Hunt gave even more to Limerick. Besides his passion for the Hunt Museum and its collection, he was an outstanding cultural ambassador and champion for Limerick and also gave freely of his enormous gifts, sharing not only his expertise but also lending his inspirational vigour and leadership in all things cultural," he said.
"The city extends its sincerest sympathy and condolences to his wife and children, his sister," he said.
He added that while Limerick was poorer by his loss, it had been enriched by his life.
John Hunt's friend, the art historian, Ruairí Ó Cuív, joined in yesterday's tributes. "The generosity of John Hunt to individuals, artists and also to art organisations, and his wisdom which was always conveyed with great humour, cannot be quantified."
It emerged yesterday that John Hunt was due to be conferred with an honorary degree from the University of Limerick, which housed the Hunt Collection from the late 1970s until 1997.
The president of UL, Prof Rodger Downer, said the ceremony, which was due to take place on October 15th, was organised in recognition of John Hunt's contribution to the Hunt Museum and other artistic initiatives in Limerick.