Ryan Tubridy has led tributes to his former co-worker Deirdre Purcell following her sudden death.
Deirdre, the first female anchor of RTE's 9pm news slot, passed away yesterday at the age of 77. The broadcaster was also a published author, having written successful novels such as A Place of Stones.
Ryan praised the award-winning journalist while on air on RTE Radio 1. He described Deirdre as a "lovely person" and said she would be deeply missed by the RTE team.
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Ryan said: "She was a great contributor to whatever programme she was working on, just a lovely, lovely person. I'm sure it's a very difficult time for her family. I was quite shocked when I heard she died."
He continued: ""I wanted to pass on our condolences as a team and for me personally to Deirdre's family today. May she Rest in Peace."
Other public figures also paid tribute to the accomplished author. Radio presenter John Creedon said that she was a great support to at the onset of his career, having helped him navigate the world of radio.
Deirde is survived by her husband Kevin Healy and sons Adrian and Simon Weckler. They described their mother as a "force of nature" in a statement following her passing.
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