Councillor Fergie Kehoe was found in his home in Fisher's Row, Co Wexford this morning.
Mr Kehoe, a married father of one, was a businessman and restaurateur before becoming a councillor in 2007.
Tributes have been pouring in on social media for the popular councillor. Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Councillor Tony Dempsey described him as a 'generous, caring and committed public representative, whose tragic and untimely passing has deeply saddened his countless friends and colleagues from inside and outside the political arena.'
He added:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Frances, his son Oisín, and his extended family, at this most difficult time."
Cast a cold eye on life and death horse man pass by. R.I.P Cllr. . Fergie Kehoe.
— Johnny Mythen (@JohnnyMythenSF) April 9, 2016
RIP dear friend and colleague @FergieKehoe Thoughts&prayers to your family,friends,colleagues @fiannafailparty Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
— Sinead Scallan (@SineadScallanFF) April 9, 2016
Saddened to hear of the death of one of our Cllrs, Fergie Kehoe in Wexford. My thoughts are with his family friends and colleagues. R.I.P
— Marc MacSharryTD (@MarcMacsharryTD) April 9, 2016
The sudden death of FF Cllr Fergie Kehoe puts things into perspective this week. Sympathies to his family friends and colleagues. R.I.P
— Oliver Golden (@oliver_golden1) April 9, 2016
Deeply saddened @FergieKehoe has passed away Fergie was passionate about #Wexford Condolences to his family & friends @fiannafailparty
— JoeRyanWex (@CllrJoeRyan) April 9, 2016