The death on Sunday of Mr Sean Mhaidhc Lean O Guithin (87), marks the virtual passing of an era.
Mr O Guithin, resident in Baile an Ratha, Dun Chaoin, Co Kerry, for many years, was a native of the Great Blasket Island. With his death, only three islanders remain in the locale.
The Blasket Islands have been synonymous with native Irish culture since the revival of Irish at the end of the last century.
The books An tOileanach, Peig and Fiche Bliain ag Fas are the most famous literary works to be associated with the area. But many scholars and writers of international repute, such as J.M. Synge, Robin Flower, Karl Marstrander and George Thomson, visited the island and were greatly influenced by its unique culture.
Mr O Guithin had all the traits characteristic of traditional Gaeltacht learning.
He was a gifted story-teller and retained an intimate knowledge of the Great Blasket long after it had been evacuated in 1953.
A map published in 1991 by Mr Padraig Tyers included several hundred placenames collected from Mr O Guithin and his brother, Muiris, now aged 80.
Mr Micheal de Mordha of Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhoir (the Great Blasket Island Centre) said the death had come as a great shock to the Dun Chaoin community: "Thog se anachuid daoine da mbonnaibh." Mr O Guithin's company would be sorely missed.
"I don't wish to use a cliche but ni bheidh a leitheid aris ann," he said.