The unexpected death of local Cork historian Ronnie Herlihy represents not just a sad loss for his family and close friends but also for the wider community in the city he loved so much.
Ronnie was a well-known local historian and author and a regular contributor to our sister newspaper,
.Like many other good local historians, he brought a passion and an intensity to his lifelong work that will continue to live after him.
Local historians are complementary to their academic counterparts, telling the more intimate stories of families and individuals that the professionals often overlook or ignore.
They take the time and trouble to record and document personal letters, photographs and events big and small that have shaped the area in which they live.
As we extend our sympathy to Ronnie’s loved ones, we offer our gratitude to him for his generosity and his willingness to share his expertise with everyone who showed an interest in his work.
We do so in the knowledge that he will continue to inform and inspire in the years and decades ahead.