Tributes have poured in for RTE gardener Dermot O’Neill who died suddenly on Friday at the age of 58.
Dermot, from Blackrock in Dublin, was known for his appearances on television and radio programs as one of Ireland's best-known gardening personalities.
He has been remembered by fans as a "true gentleman" who shared his "infectious enthusiasm" and "expertise" on gardening that he shared through the TV screen.
The Irish gardening expert made his first on-screen appearance in 1982 on RTE children's programmes and went on to present a gardening segment on Live at 3, as well as being a regular contributor on the Pat Kenny and Derek Mooney’s radio shows among others.
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One fan took to the online condolence book to wrote: "RIP to a face that lit up our screens and encouraged a love of gardening in many a young child watching. Your enthusiasm was infectious."
A second said: "Dermot combined his knowledge and expertise with a light and wonderful enthusiasm to inspire us all to make our gardens and homes a more welcoming space."
Another person said: "Sincere condolences to Dermot's family and friends on Dermot's death.. alas gone far too soon. Dermot was so good on TV.. his unmissable gardening programmes and his infectious enthusiasm. Sad to lose him.. he will be gardening in Heaven."
While a fourth wrote: "I am so sorry to hear of Dermot's passing- such a true gentleman and a genuine person; with a great gift and love for all things ecological and natural."
Dermot was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2009 but had undergone treatment and had been declared cancer free since 2011.
He is survived by his two sisters as well as nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
The RIP.ie notice of his death reads: "The sudden death has occurred of Dermot O’Neill of Blackrock, Co. Dublin, in St Vincent's Hospital, Elm Park, Co. Dublin on the 1st of July 2022.
"Dermot passed peacefully while surrounded by his loving family and while in the care of the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff of the ICU.
"He is predeceased by his father Peter O’Neill and his mother Maura O’Neill (née Hall). He will be sadly missed by his sisters Carol and Louise, his brothers-in-law Robin and James, his nieces and nephews Ciara, Jack, Leon and Hannah and his great nephew Pearce as well as by his uncles, aunts, cousins and friends."
The details of his funeral have yet to be announced at this time.
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