Death of Mad Pride founder

Cork’s passionate and outspoken mental health campaigner, John McCarthy, has died.

Mr McCarthy wrote a weekly column for the Cork Independent called ‘The Human Condition’, in which he openly spoke about his emotional and physical struggle with Motor Neurone disease.

Editor of the Cork Independent, Deirdre O’Shaughnessy, paid tribute to Mr McCarthy.

“John was a fearless campaigner for those affected by mental health issues, that is to say, all of us.

“I will miss him personally as a friend and professionally as a stirring, evocative and passionate writer who never lost sight of his priorities,” she said.

The final column in 'The Human Condition' series will appear in this week's edition.

John McCarthy will be waked at home on Wednesday and a Humanist ceremony will take place on Thursday at 11am at Val O'Connors funeral home, Shandon Street, with burial afterwards at Curraghkippane cemetery.

He is survived by his mother, beloved wife Liz, son David, daughter Jill, grandchildren and extended family.

The award-winning documentary 'Lives Less Lived' by John McCarthy is available for download on the RTÉ website.