Tributes pour in for 'gentleman' Ahmet

Flowers, photographs, and messages of condolence have been placed outside the shop front of a well-known and beloved Cork barber who passed away suddenly last week.

Hugely popular Ahmet Kızılay, who ran Ahmet’s Barber Shop on Marlboro Street in Cork city, was a familiar figure on Leeside, often seen riding his bike around the city and chatting with locals.

His death has come as a big shock to the community, with hundreds of those who knew him taking to social media to share fond memories, from previous customers to those who would see him often on the street.

“I’ve known him for nearly 20 years. A gentleman always. I will miss him,” one wrote.

“Ahmet was a gentleman. Cut my son’s hair when he was a small lad and continued to do so to the current day. A really, really nice man who had a nice approach to life and a great barber to boot. You were a gentleman in life. RIP Ahmet,” shared another.Another wrote: “I used to work on Marlboro Street, and he always had a hello for me. This is such sad news.”One comment truly summed up the community’s shock: “What?! I was talking to him just yesterday! Oh no!”

Following his death, a GoFundMe page, 'Ahmet Kızılay Funeral' has been set up to support Ahmet’s family with funeral arrangements and related expenses, helping them give him the “respectful and peaceful farewell he deserves”.

A post on the page read: “We hope to ease some of the financial burden so that his loved ones can focus on grieving, remembering, and saying their final goodbyes.

“Please know that every act of kindness, every donation, and every prayer is appreciated from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for standing together with Ahmet’s family during this difficult time.

“May he rest in peace, and may his family and loved ones find strength, comfort, and patience in the days ahead. Forever remembered, never forgotten.”