Tributes paid following death of former Lord Mayor of Cork  

Mr Bermingham was elected the Lord Mayor of Cork in June 2008, 40 years after his father John Bermingham, who was elected in 1968

Former Cork lord mayor Brian Bermingham was first elected to Cork City Council in 1979 and represented the people of Cork South West until 2009. Picture: Diane Cusack

Tributes have been paid to former lord mayor of Cork, Brian Bermingham, who passed away over the weekend.

The 77-year-old former Fine Gael and Progressive Democrats politician was first elected to Cork City Council in 1979, and he represented the people of Cork South West until 2009.

He was elected the lord mayor of Cork in June 2008, 40 years after his father John Bermingham, who was elected in 1968.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Dan Boyle, will call a special meeting of Cork City Council to pay tribute to Mr Bermingham on Monday

A book of condolences will also be opened at City Hall on Monday at 2.30pm to mark the passing of the former lord mayor.

Mr Boyle expressed his condolences to the family and friends of Brian Bermingham.

“I am saddened to learn of the death of Brian Bermingham, a councillor and former lord mayor whose family have had such a positive legacy in Cork.

Brian’s father John was instrumental in setting up the Cope foundation, and Brian also dedicated his life to helping people through ongoing education and advocacy

"He served his city well and will be remembered fondly by all those who he crossed paths with,” Mr Boyle said.

The Cork Barrack Street Band led tributes to Mr Bermingham, described as a "long-term supporter" of the band's music education programme.

"The Cork Barrack Street Band community is deeply saddened to hear of the sudden and untimely passing of former lord mayor of Cork, Brian Bermingham. We extend our sympathies to his loving wife  Elma and family."

"It was through Brian and his colleagues' initial support that [the band] was able to develop the music education programme that exists today, starting from humble beginnings," the statement read.

Through his belief and vision, many community projects in Cork City and county that began as mere ideas were brought to life

Mr Bermingham was instrumental in organising a trip for the band to Belgium in 2008, marking the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War and honouring the 39 members of the band who fought in the war.

In 2010, he founded and served as chairperson of the now-annual Lord Mayor's Community and Heritage Concert Committee, ensuring that community music groups had the opportunity to showcase their talents in the Concert Hall at City Hall while celebrating Cork’s rich heritage.