'Everyone knew him and loved him': Tributes pour in for much-loved restaurateur Dave Halpin
Dave Halpin was much-lauded for his commitment to the community and business in Douglas village and beyond. Picture: Dan Linehan
Tributes continue to pour in for one of Cork's best-known business figures who died suddenly on Thursday.
Dave Halpin, owner of Eco's in Douglas and The Webworkhouse on Winthrop Street in Cork City, died on Thursday afternoon.
Eco's in Douglas has become one of the most beloved eateries in Cork since it opened in 1996, with Mr Halpin much-lauded for his commitment to the community and business in the village and beyond.
He was also behind the Oliver Plunkett Street restaurant Halpin's in the decades before that.
Mr Halpin was immersed in business and community life throughout the region.
Douglas Business Association, of which Mr Halpin was a founding member, said he was a man "full of wisdom, enthusiasm, and passion for helping businesses in the area".
Barry's pub in Douglas said: "It is with great sadness that the team here at Barry’s extend our deepest condolences to the Halpin and Eco family. Dave Halpin Sr was a true gentleman and a respected and admired member of the Douglas business community. He will be missed by us all."
Social media was awash with glowing tributes to Mr Halpin, as people remembered his kind demeanour and generosity that had touched them personally.
Eco's in Douglas thanked people for the "overwhelming show of support and sympathy" after Mr Halpin's death.
"In his nearly 30 years operating in Douglas, he lived for the restaurant and loved the buzz of meeting people, having the chats, and sharing in people's lives. His legacy will live on through the restaurant he built and the memories he created.
"Eco has been blessed to be part of so many family events, from birthdays to anniversaries, goodbye parties to reunion gatherings, and because of this, many will feel like they are losing one of their own. He will be missed and always remembered," the restaurant posted on social media.
Local councillor Deirdre Forde said the news has stunned the community, who loved Mr Halpin.
"Dave was such a vibrant part of Douglas social life as well as in business.
"Everyone knew him and loved him, he was so good to his staff and to customers, and Eco's has become a pillar in Douglas life," she said.
His passing will be an "enormous loss" to all, she added.
"He was such a support to the Douglas Business Association and the community but also all the young people that received their start in working life since the restaurant opened. He was a wonderful employer who always gave back, he was so kind to people," Ms Forde said.
Cork singer-songwriter Nella paid tribute to Mr Halpin, having spent some time with him on Thursday before his sudden passing.
"Rest easy Dave and thanks for the great worldly chats and friendship to our family," she wrote on social media.
Mr Halpin's daughter Victoria posted a poignant last picture taken of him on Thursday at Eco's, describing him as a "beautiful, doting, kind, adorable father" who would be greatly missed by many.
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