In a family statement, it was announced that he “died peacefully in the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin, surrounded by his loving family, early this morning following a long illness”.

The statement added: “He was a good husband, a good father and a true patriot.

“We will miss him greatly.

“John is survived by his wife, Finola, son Matthew and daughters; Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, grandchildren, sons-in-law, his brother, Richard and sister, Mary, nieces, nephews, many cousins and extended family.”