The West Cork TD was first elected to the Dail in 1981 and held the Cork South West seat, with one interval, until his retirement from politics in 2011.
Former Taoiseach John Bruton has expressed deep shock at the passing of his friend saying he was a man beloved across all political divisions.
Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar has paid tribute to Paddy Sheehan saying he was a wonderful character the likes of whom we will not see again.
