Tributes paid to larger-than-life LGBT activist Dave Roche

Emotional tributes have been paid to one of the country’s most courageous gay rights campaigners who has died suddenly.

Dave Roche, a founder member of the Cork LGBT Pride Festival, the CEO of the Cork Gay Project, a board member of the National LGBT helpline, and a driving force behind the Yes Equality Cork campaign and LGBT Awareness Week, died from a suspected heart attack while working on a DIY project at home in Terelton, near Macroom in Co Cork, on Saturday. He was in his 50s.

Arthur Leahy, a founder of the Cork Gay Community Development Project, knew Mr Roche for over 30 years and worked closely with him on advocacy in the 1980s, when homosexuality was criminalised. “There is still a huge sense of shock. He was such a vibrant character, so full of fun and energy,” said Mr Leahy.