Sadness has been expressed following the passing of an 86-year-old Irish bookbinder who featured on the RTÉ Angelus video for eight years.
Tributes have been pouring in for Athlone bookbinder and master craftsman Declan Browne, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday following a short illness.
"He was one of life's gentlemen," wrote one touching condolence from Athlone.
READ MORE: Man 'beaten to death' during row in house in Cavan named locally as gardaí question suspect
The book binder and restorer, who operated Liturgical Book Restorers on Main Street in the town was first shown on the RTÉ Angelus in August 2015.
The minute long clip, entitled 'Bookbinder' shows Declan in his business running through his process of restoration with his colleague Olga, employing traditional tools and skils of the trade.
Roger Childs, RTÉ's Commissioning Editor of Religious Content, said: "For 8 years, we've had the privilege of watching Athlone antiquarian bookbinder Declan Browne at work during the reflective Angelus slot on rteone.
"Declan died yesterday but 'his' Angelus airs once more tonight at 6pm. Condolences to his family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."
A son of Roger's living in Austraia thanked Mr Childs for the tribute, saying that his father 'Deco' "loved his craft since the age of 15, till he passed at 86."
Declan was one of the first to feature as part of a change to the Angelus in 2015, where one-minute personal clips of people going about their lives was trialled and aired.
Declan admitted that the prime time religious TV slot had been good for business, as many who looked for books to be restored turned to the Athlone man.
One condolence described him as a "gentleman in every way" adding that he had a great interest in art, and regularly attended exhibitions.
"He was a true gentleman, many a chat we had about Athlone Town Football," another wrote.
In tribute Athlone Town said: "Declan, was not only an esteemed ex-secretary of the Club, but was also a lifelong, member and supporter of ATFC, and as well as been a thorough gentleman, he was also a great ambassador for Athlone in general."
Declan is predeceased by his beloved wife Edna and is sadly missed by his loving sons David and Daragh, daughters Olga and Emer and his entire family.
As a mark of respect Declan's clip on The Angelus on RTÉ was aired one last time on Thursday night.
"He was a true gentleman and always looked so content working with his great friend Olga. His presence will be sadly missed on Main Street," one final tribute said.
READ NEXT:
Child killed after lorry crashes into grandmother pushing pram in 'absolute tragedy'
Barry Keoghan hits out at airline for losing luggage on flight to US for the Oscars
Savvy shoppers have been raving about a particular Aldi product that’s the ‘best toner ever'
Woman left with a 'myriad of complications' after travelling to Turkey for weight loss surgery
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
