The founder director of the Hunt Museum in Limerick has died in Dublin at the age of 47.
John Hunt, who has been ill for some time, is survived by his wife, Patricia, and their three children, Miriam, Paddy and Jack.
Mr Hunt was also reviewer of visual arts for the Arts Show and Rattlebag on RTÉ radio and wrote a column for the Evening Echonewspaper. He has also worked as arts correspondent for Lyric FM.
In 1997, Mr Hunt and his sister Trudy were both awarded the Freedom of the City of Limerick. In 2001, he was awarded a Gold Medal by the Royal Hibernian Academy in recognition of his unique and special contribution to the world of Irish arts.
Hunt Museum director Ms Virginia Teehan said in a statement that Mr Hunt "recognised the artistic, educational and historic value of [the Hunt family's] unique collection of art and antiquities and wished it would remain intact and be exhibited for public viewing.
"His spontaneity and creativity in making the collection accessible has influenced the museum in all aspects of its operation.
"John's personal energy, liveliness and vision will be remembered with fondness by all those associated with the museum since its inception over ten years ago," Ms Teehan said.
