Former RTÉ journalist Tommie Gorman has died at the age of 68.
Mr Gorman worked at the broadcaster for more than 40 years and retired from RTÉ in April 2021.
At the time of his retirement, Mr Gorman was RTÉ News’s northern editor.
In a statement, Mr Gorman’s family said that he died on Tuesday surrounded by his family.
“Tommie was a cherished husband, father, brother, and friend whose innate kindness and generosity of spirit touched the lives of all who knew him.
“His memory will forever remain in our hearts, and his spirit will continue to guide and inspire us every day.”
Irish President Michael D Higgins said Mr Gorman was “one of the outstanding public service broadcasters of his generation”.
“In a career renowned for being the first on the spot with key developments, Tommie will of course always be remembered for his interview with Roy Keane following his departure from Saipan and going to Greece to interview Seamus Heaney following the announcement that he was to receive the Nobel Prize,” he said.
Taoiseach (prime minister) Simon Harris said he was profoundly shocked and saddened at Mr Gorman’s death.
“Tommie was a journalist of enormous standing who carried out his job and duty to report fairly and accurately with the utmost professionalism,” RTÉ reported him saying.
“In a world of instant and rolling news, Tommie Gorman was invited into people’s homes night after night to give fair, impartial and in-depth analysis of one of the most precious things on our island – our peace process.
“To say he took this responsibility seriously is an understatement and as a result the Irish people trusted Tommie. If Tommie Gorman said it, then it happened.”