Actress Jean Costello, who starred as Rita Doyle in Fair City has died aged 76.
In a statement, RTÉ said she had been a "stalwart" in the soap and was one of the programme's most loved characters.
She had been involved since the programme's very first episode but had not appeared in the drama for the last number of years.
Fair City's Executive Producer Brigie de Courcy said:
"Everyone in Fair City is deeply saddened to hear about the sad passing of our former colleague Jean Costello.
"Jean was a stalwart in Fair City when she played the role of Rita Doyle.
"She entertained the homes of millions of Irish people for over 20 years as she was one of Carrigstown's most loved characters.
"We send our deepest condolences to her family and wide circle of friends and colleagues."
