Historian Sean Pettit lauded for role in city’s life

Tributes have been paid following the death of renowned historian Sean Pettit, a specialist in the history of Cork.

Dr Pettit, a former teacher who lectured in UCC for almost 30 years, who wrote several books on the history of Cork, delivered countless lectures and talks, and led thousands of people on walking tours of the city, died unexpectedly on Wednesday. He was in his late 80s.

Former lord mayor Tom O’Driscoll, who honoured Dr Pettit in 2002 for his outstanding contribution to civic life, described him last night as one of the city’s greatest historians.