Son who came home to help run family business

Alan Cunniffe (31) was only recently appointed postmaster of the sub-post office next to the family-owned Centra where he worked.

The Cunniffe family is well known and long established in Kilkenny business and social circles, and Mr Cunniffe was a popular and well-regarded figure.

Mr Cunniffe, who was single, had graduated with a BSc from UCD and an MSc from UCC. He had worked in food research in Dublin before returning to Kilkenny some years ago to help run the family business.

His father, Tom, died two years ago. He is survived by his mother, Muriel, four brothers, Declan, James (his twin), Thomas and Enda, and sisters Anne, Muriel and Emily.

Speaking on his way to visit their home last night to offer condolences, Kilkenny city Fianna Fáil TD John McGuinness said he had met Mr Cunniffe as recently as last week.

He described Mr Cunniffe as a man "who was central to community activity in the parish of St John's [ and] whose death would be a very great loss to a lovely family".