27/10/2017 - 08:41:10
Update 12.36pm: Tributes are flooding in for Irish film director and author Simon Fitzmaurice who has died aged 43.
The father-of-five was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2008, and at the time was advised he had four years to live.
Friends and fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to the Wicklow film-maker, hailing his courage and bravery.
Cork Film Festival tweeted: "So sad to hear of the passing of Simon Fitzmaurice, such an inspirational & talented filmmaker & writer. Our thoughts are with his family".
Adam Murphy wrote: "This is the worst news I've heard all year! RIP Simon Fitzmaurice!! You will always be my hero!"
Andrea Kirwin said: "One of the most impressive Irish men has left us today. RIP #SimonFitzmaurice Your courage was inspiring".
Stanley's Deathpark described Mr Fitzmaurice as a "remarkable man and filmmaker."
Roisin Ingle tweeted: "Simon Fitzmaurice was a beautiful, talented, gorgeous, funny, joyful man who loved life and never gave up".
Mr Fitzmaurice's bestselling book, It's Not Yet Dark, described his battle with the disease.
It was adapted into a feature film directed by Frankie Fenton and narrated by Colin Farrell.
He also directed the movie My Name is Emily, which was released in 2015 and was nominated for eight IFTA awards.
Mr Fitzmaurice is survived by his wife Ruth and five children.
Earlier: Irish filmmaker Simon Fitzmaurice passed away yesterday.
The Greystones native was diagnosed with Motor Neuron disease in 2008.
His wife Ruth Fitzmaurice recently published the best selling book, 'I Found My Tribe', about how their family tried to cope with the diagnosis.
Ruth learned she was pregnant with the couple’s third child on the same day that he was diagnosed in 2008.
At that time, he was given four years to live, but went on to live nine years post diagnosis and father two more children, twins.