The funeral of a beloved Longford columnist and former newspaper editor will be taking place today.
Derek Grante Cobbe died on Friday following a prolonged illness.
Mr Cobbe of Gurteenorna, Longford and formerly of Rialto, Dublin, was a former editor of the Longford Leader and owner of the Longford News.
He was well known and loved for his children's newspaper column "Uncle Larry," which became one of the longest-running children's pages in a newspaper worldwide.
Some may remember him from his appearances on the Late Late Show with presenter Gay Byrne.
Derek's career spanned from media to circus management and entertainment to hypnotherapy, helping thousands to lose weight and stop smoking.
Paying tribute, Longford senator Joe Flaherty described him as a man of 'great loyalty,' and as someone who 'revolutionised regional newspapers.'
His funeral service will take place in St John's Church in Longford today at 12 noon, followed by burial in St Paul's Church Cemetery in Newtownforbes.
