Maia Dunphy has opened up on her heartbreak following the sad passing of her mother Helen.
The writer and broadcaster, 45, told her friends and fans her mother died on Sunday after being diagnosed with cancer.
Maia said she was still in disbelief as she announced the news on social media with a touching tribute to her mum.
Sharing a montage of photographs of her and her family with her mother throughout her life, she wrote: "I can’t believe I’m typing these words, but my darling Mum Helen passed away today.”
She went on to discuss her mother’s battle with cancer in recent months.
"Cancer is a f*cking horror show,” she said.
“And I never trot out platitudes about 'fighting battles' because it somehow implies some people don’t fight hard enough.
“But my Mum bore her recent awful illness with the same stoicism she has approached everything in life, and those of you who know her well, will know how much has happened in these last difficult weeks and how she showed concern for everyone else until her last breath.
"But Helen didn’t doubt for a second how much she was loved. She and my Dad, her beloved Tom, are married 50 years this Friday and we will be marking it as if she were here (but without her giving out to us for spending too much on gifts…).
“She was a remarkable woman; without pretension and with a very rare self-assuredness that was a testament to all the right choices she made in her life, and the acceptance of things she had no choice over."
In the emotional tribute, she went on: "She was the most dedicated Mum anyone could ever imagine; but even that was exceeded by her devotion to her only grandson.
"She and my Dad became my family unit again over the last 5 years, and I am so very grateful for their support and how much they loved my little Tom.
Maia added: “My Mum was a second Mum to him, and I simply could not have coped without her help.
"I’m lost without her already. We love you Mama. Sleep well. X"
Fans and friends of the TV host rushed to share their condolences.
Mrs Brown’s Boys star Jenny Gibney said: “So sorry to hear that Maia.”
RTE’s Sarah McInerney wrote: “I’m so so sorry to hear this Maia. What a beautiful tribute you’ve written to her, she sounds like a wonderful woman. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
Louise McSharry added: “I’m so sorry to hear this Maia. Sending you so much love.”
