Tom Harding was legendary amongst the Tall Ships fraternity.

Bosun on the Asgard and on the Jeanie Johnston, Tom was a man who revelled in being a seafarer, a sailor, whose pride in the craft of seamanship was immense.

His death this week has removed a unique figure from Ireland's marine sphere.

He was Bosun on the Jeanie Johnston, (which was built in County Kerry), on its unique voyage to the United States, Canada and Newfoundland, retracing the route of the original ship which carried emigrants from Kerry.

"He was, without doubt, the finest Tall Ships sailor of our generation, courageous, bold and fearless; working aloft in all weather was second nature to him," said Captain Michael Coleman of Cobh, who was in charge of the Jeanie Johnston when it visited Canadian waters.

Tom Harding died on Monday and was cremated today at the Island Crematorium, Haulbowline, Cork Harbour, on Wednesday, October 4th.