Monaghan comedian, Michael Downey passed away yesterday evening according to his family.

The Carrickmacross comic passed away peacefully at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda on Wednesday.

Mr Downey first got involved in comedy in the year 2000 and was tipped as a rising star of the comedy circuit in 2001 when he came in joint third place with comedian Alan Carr in the annual So You Think You're Funny stand-up competition.

Along with the likes of Karl Spain, Neil Delamare and Des Bishop, Mr Downey was among a promising new generation of Irish comedians.

He left his van-driving job in January 2002 to become a full-time comedian.

However, in April 2002, Downey was involved in a major car crash and sustained a traumatic brain injury, as well as multiple physical injuries. As a result of which he spent 3 months in intensive care and many more years in rehabilitation.

He had made a return to comedy in 2010.

He is survived by his wife Elaine, brother Anthony, mother Mary and sister-in-law Siobhán. Downey is predeceased by his father Micheál.

Those who wish to sign the book of condolences may do so here.