The popular children's author Gordon Snell has died aged 93.
He married writer Maeve Binchy in 1977 and the couple lived and worked together in their Dalkey home in Dublin until Ms Binchy's death in 2012.
Born on 1 October 1932 in Singapore, Mr Snell went on to study at Oxford University before joining the BBC.
He met Ms Binchy when she was working at the London office of the Irish Times.
Listen: Gordon Snell discussing Maeve Binchy's work on Sunday with Miriam in 2022
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After a few years living in London, the couple moved to Dublin and set up home in Dalkey, where they both had prolific writing careers.
Mr Snell published his first book for young readers, The King of Quizzical Island, in 1978.
Alongside his fiction writing, Mr Snell also wrote TV scripts for the popular RTÉ children's show Wanderly Wagon and also comedy for adults.
Mr Snell died peacefully at his home and will be sadly missed by his loving family and wide circle of friends.
Snell was 'quintessential Englishman' with 'very Irish sense of humour'
In a statement, the National Union of Journalists said Mr Snell was a life long member of union and "one of the most respected writers in Ireland".
Assistant General Secretary Séamus Dooley said: "Gordon and Maeve were a couple who inspired affection and respect.
"No second names were needed when referring to these two hugely successful writers and the NUJ valued their support."
"On first meeting, Gordon could appear the quintessential Englishman, with impeccable manner but he had a very Irish sense of humour, and his political satirical verses were hilarious and biting.
"He was proud to be known as Maeve's husband, but Gordon also made an enormous contribution to the arts and literature, especially children's literature and like Maeve was a tremendous supporter of emerging talent.
"Those of us who got to know Gordon will remember him as a kind and generous friend, a man of many talents and above all a decent and compassionate human being," Mr Dooley added.
