RTE's Joe Duffy says he is "truly heartbroken" following the death of his "favourite" uncle.
The broadcaster has paid an emotional tribute to his beloved uncle Bernard O'Donoghue, who has died at the age of 93.
His funeral is due to take place on Christmas Eve, which the Liveline host says is "ironic" as he "made Christmas".
READ MORE: Christmas opening hours for Dunnes, Tesco, Lidl, SuperValu, Aldi with Christmas Eve reminder issued
It's the second death in the family this year after his mum Mabel passed away in February.
In an touching tribute published on Twitter, Joe said Bernard "was like a father to us, especially at Christmas time".
He wrote: "I am truly heartbroken at the passing of my beloved Uncle Bernard. Finny, diligent, dignified, ever present, helpful and kind - he was one of a kind. Ironically he will be buried on Christmas Eve morning - because Christmas for us was made by Bernard.
"Early on the day, he would arrive in Claddagh Green to take the order from my mother, Mabel, who sadly passed away this year at 93. He would also cast his DIY eye over Claddagh Green, assessing what had to be fixed. He even made the star for the top of our Christmas tree - or more importantly wallpapering."
Joe described how Uncle Bernard would "stumble in with the turkey under one arm, his stepladder draped over his shoulder, clutching wallpapers, tools, and tables".
In the morning, the family would wake up to their new Santa presents and a new house after Uncle Bernard spent the night wallpapering.
Joe continued: "On St Stephen's Day we made our traditional trip to Aunty Monica and Uncle Bernard's in Rafters Road in Drimnagh for our annual feast of food, singing, and fun. Our childhood efforts at poetry and performance were diligently recorded by Bernard on his state-of-the-art reel-to-reel tape recorder - and they still exist."
He went on to reminisce how his uncle loved music and was a "unique" role model "who never drank or smoked". He said: "Bernard had a great faith, quietly held, daily lived. If God needs a right-hand man, Bernard is on his way for in truth three is only one place he is destined, deserved, and appropriate for a living saint - heaven."
READ NEXT :
Met Eireann updates forecast as rain batters the country amid potential Christmas washout
Funeral of Irish woman with 'bright future' to take place today after death in Bali
Meet the Irishman who designed Argentina's World Cup-winning jersey in role with Adidas
Anyone want a son? Irish foster teen makes heartbreaking request to be adopted
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
