Huge reaction to sad news of the death of popular Turkish barber Ahmet

LOTS of people in Skibbereen have taken to Facebook to express their sadness at the unexpected death of local barber Ahmet Lalecioglu in Turkey a fortnight ago.

The Turkish man ran the popular barbershop, ‘Style Delight’, next to The Paragon, and was well known for his cheeky sense of humour and his friendly banter.

There was a huge reaction to the news of his passing, while on holiday in Turkey, on social media forums. 

One local woman posted a comment, saying: ‘I still can’t believe it: You were such a nice and genuine man, Ahmet, even if you couldn’t say my name properly. It won’t be the same not having you in for your coffees during the day. RIP.’

Another man said: ‘I have often heard of the skill of Turkish barbers but had never experienced their work. About six years ago, I went for my first haircut by Ahmet and it was an experience. He was full of banter and humour and in his relatively short time in Skibbereen he became known by many in the surrounding area.

‘Ahmet was an expert, an artist with the scissors and his attention was never less than complete despite his frequent comments and jokes.’

The man, who counted himself as both a customer and a friend, said Ahmet would frequently comment on how friendly the people of Skibbereen are and how happy he was to be living and working in the town.

‘Everybody in the town seemed to know and like him. People passing by would often wave at him and the wave was always acknowledged with a smile or a return wave.

‘Ahmet was a character, full of fun and humour,’ he said.

‘He is gone and Skibbereen has lost a loveable, humorous roughish man, who brightened people’s days.’