Heartfelt condolences have been pouring following the passing of popular author and broadcaster Deirdre Purcell.
The highly successful novelist, who was the first female anchor on the RTÉ News: Nine O'Clock, died suddenly at home this Monday morning, aged 77.
Learning of her death, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD described her as "an extraordinary person with an extraordinary career who touched all our lives.
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Deirdre was an Abbey Theatre actress, who published 12 critically-acclaimed and bestselling novels, including Pearl and The Winter Gathering.
RTÉ colleagues paid tribute to the immense career of the former broadcaster and newsreader who was also awarded The Benson & Hedges and Cross awards for journalism.
Cork radio presenter John Creedon said he was sorry to hear of her passing and described her as a brilliant author, and journalist who was also very kind.
"She encouraged me on many occasions when I was 'the new boy' around the radio centre (RTÉ). Thinking of Kevin and all of those closest to her," he added.
Martin Doyle, Books Editor with the Irish Times shared a beautiful interview from 30 years ago on Deirdre, which detailed her time ghost writing Gay Byrne's autobiography.
Charlie Bird, who was a colleague of hers said: "Another sad day for me and all my RTÉ colleagues, the sudden death of our great colleague Deirdre Purcell. She was a great colleague and wow what a writer. My Heart goes out to Kevin and the other members of her family."
President Michael D Higgins said she will be remembered by colleagues and friends for her "warm and creative presence."
"I particularly recall one afternoon where Deirdre interviewed Brendan Kennelly and myself for the Sunday Tribune, the attention to detail which she gave to such interviews was indicative of the skill with which she went about her work and has been often remarked upon by her many admirers," the President wrote.
May she rest in peace.
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