Tributes have been paid to the last permanent resident of Connemara's Omey Island, stuntman Pascal Whelan, who has died at the age of 75.
Mr Whelan, who gave the late actor Peter O'Toole swordfighting lessons and did stunts for Paul Hogan in the film Crocodile Dundee, had lived on the tidal island for more than 30 years.
“He was very well liked by everyone, including many visitors to the island, and we have had phone calls today from New York and England expressing sympathy,” said his neighbour and friend Feichín Mulkerrin, who is chairman of the Omey Races.
Emigrating
Mr Whelan, who was 75 on Sunday, was found dead in his mobile home after failing to make his daily crossing to Claddaghduff on the mainland.
He was born on Omey and left at the age of six with his parents for Wales, before emigrating to Australia and New Zealand.
Mr Whelan took up stunt acting after learning to wrestle. After he returned to Ireland, he set up a stunt school and latterly moved back to Omey where he spent time fishing and diving.
He socialised in Sweeney’s pub in Claddaghduff, across the tidal strand. His life was recorded in a book by photographer Kevin Griffin, and an exhibition based on Mr Griffin’s images was staged at the 2013 Clifden Arts Festival.
Mr Mulkerrin said that Mr Whelan would be missed by everyone in the community. He is survived by three siblings and three children.
