President Michael D Higgins has paid a glowing tribute to the late Vicky Phelan after her death was announced on Monday morning.
The cervical cancer campaigner passed away at a hospice in Limerick surrounded by her family.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues, friends and political leaders since the sad news broke.
READ MORE: Outpouring of tributes paid to 'courageous' Vicky Phelan who 'leaves a lasting legacy behind her'
The President of Ireland has now added to them, writing in a statement: “It is with the deepest sense of sadness that people across Ireland and beyond will have heard of the death of Vicky Phelan.
"All of us who had the privilege of meeting Vicky will have been struck by the powerful inner strength and dignity with which she not only faced her own illness, but with the sense of commitment to the public good and the rights of others with which she campaigned.
"Vicky, in all of this, made an enormous contribution to Irish society. Thanks to her tireless efforts, despite the terrible personal toll she herself had to carry, so many women’s lives have been protected, and will be protected in the future.
"She will be deeply missed, by all of those who were in awe of her courage, her resilience, offered not only to women but to all of us in Ireland.
"She will of course be missed above all by those closest to her. May I express my deepest condolences to Vicky’s parents Gaby and John, her husband Jim, her children Amelia and Darragh, and to all of her family and friends.”
Acknowledging the immense work Vicky undertook to raise awareness surrounding cervical cancer and Cervical Checks failings, one person said: "Heartbreaking!!
"What an incredible woman, who leaves a lasting legacy behind her.
"A hero for the women of Ireland.
"Rest in Peace Vicky".
A second said: "Thank you Vicky. From the women of Ireland, we owe you a debt of gratitude. You fought for yourself, for your family and for Irish women. An amazing woman.
"May you rest in peace."
While a third wrote: "Vicky Phelan was everyone's mother, sister and daughter and friend. Such a courageous and generous person to share her life and thoughts with us and shine a light on chronic illnesses and our medical system. Condolences to Vicky's family and friends. RIP."
READ NEXT:
- Vicky Phelan dies: Tributes to 'courageous' cervical cancer campaigner from Limerick
- In photos: How Vicky Phelan went from ordinary mum to one of Ireland's most important women
- Outpouring of tributes paid to 'courageous' Vicky Phelan who 'leaves a lasting legacy behind her'
- 'A woman of extraordinary courage' - Taoiseach leads tributes after death of Vicky Phelan at 48
