Tributes have poured in following the passing of much-loved author Emma Hannigan.
The bestselling Irish writer, who had published 13 books, died after an 11-year battle with cancer at the age of 45.
Hannigan was diagnosed with cancer for the first time in 2007. She had fought the disease ten times since then before passing away on Saturday, March 3.
Breast Cancer Ireland announced the news on Saturday afternoon, writing on Facebook and Twitter: "Breast Cancer Ireland wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of our dear friend Emma Hannigan who lost her battle with cancer earlier today. May she rest in peace."
BCI wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of our dear friend Emma Hannigan who lost her battle with cancer earlier today. RIP pic.twitter.com/tlKKR5w2hX
— BreastCancerIreland (@BreastCancerIre) March 3, 2018
Tributes have flooded in from fans and friends who said they were "heartbroken" and "so sad".
Irish author and Fair City star Claudia Carroll praised her "beautiful" and "brave" friend.
Heartbroken to hear the sad news about our beautiful, brave Emma Hannigan. Tonight, there really is one more angel in Heaven.
— claudia carroll (@carrollclaudia) March 3, 2018
Irish Times writer and author Roisin Ingle said Hannigan "brought a lot of joy" to the world.
She was a very special woman who gave so much of herself and brought a lot of joy. Thinking of Emma Hannigan’s family and friends tonight .... ❤️ https://t.co/fZ46C017ri
— Roisin Ingle (@roisiningle) March 3, 2018
Former Newstalk broadcaster and special advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Chris Donoghuesaid he was "so sad at the death of as bright a light as Emma Hannigan".
So sad at the death of as bright a light as @MsEmmaHannigan. We once spoke of guilt you feel surviving a serious illness when someone like her kept getting knocked back. She told me to say it in how you live, not an apology. Extraordinary person, moved mountains #emmahannigan.
— Chris Donoghue (@chrisrdonoghue) March 3, 2018
Radio and TV producer Regina Looby said "the world is missing a very special person".
The world is missing a very special person today, such sad news. RIP Emma Hannigan and condolences to her family 💔 https://t.co/AW3d0tZpVb
— Regina Looby (@reglooby) March 3, 2018
Dancing with the Stars contestant and Dragons' Den star Norah Casey gave her "heartfelt condolences" to Emma's "wonderful family".
Such sad news - a wonderful courageous woman just left our world - my heartfelt condolences to her wonderful family. Author Emma Hannigan passes away after 11-year battle with cancer https://t.co/4VPeXEn5iI
— Norah Casey (@NorahCasey) March 3, 2018
RIP Emma 💔 RT @BreastCancerIre: BCI wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of our dear friend Emma Hannigan who lost her battle with cancer earlier today. RIP pic.twitter.com/epTzwRa7Td
— Rosanna Davison (@rosanna_davison) March 3, 2018
Just heard the sad news that the brave and beautiful Emma Hannigan has passed away.
— Caroline Hofman (@CearuilinH) March 3, 2018
An inspiration to so many women, she fought a long, hard battle and was such a strong person throughout it all.
RIP x
Such sad news about Emma Hannigan. What an amazing person, she achieved so much right to the end. #HelpEmmaHelpOthers #breastcancerawareness https://t.co/GeETo1k5SB
— Dr. Frances Harkin (@Frank11Guinness) March 3, 2018
Very very sad news. RIP Emma Hannigan https://t.co/2JKp7Vzxwb
— Writers' Week (@WritersWeek) March 3, 2018
Our lovely and beautiful friend Emma Hannigan has lost her battle to Cancer.
— Elaine (@tv3elaine) March 3, 2018
She was such an inspiration to all of us and will be sadly missed.
Our thoughts are with her family. She will always be in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/dEmsUYlqzD
The author revealed in mid-February that her long-term battle with breast cancer had become terminal.
She wrote in a blog post: "The conversation I never wanted to have has been said.
"My medical team have thrown everything but the kitchen sink at this fight but all avenues have now been exhausted.
"To say that I’m heartbroken doesn’t begin to cover it".
After the blog post was published, a campaign was launched on social media to get her new new book, Letters to my Daughters, to number one in the Irish book charts.
The mother-of-two also started a fundraising campaign to raise money for Breast Cancer Ireland which has raised over €100,000 so far.
She is survived by her husband Cian and children Sacha and Kim.
