Second level teacher union the ASTI has paid tribute to its president Miriam Duggan who has died.
The union said Ms Duggan passed away following a short illness bravely borne.
Ms Duggan had taught English, Religion and SPHE at Rosmini Community School in Dublin.
Describing her as "a true trade union stalwart", the union said she had held a variety of roles on ASTI committees, including serving as ASTI vice president before being elected president last year.
Ms Duggan also represented teachers on a number of state education bodies.
"Miriam was dedicated to serving the teachers she represented at school, regional and national level. She was involved in a number of ASTI initiatives over the years including activities to highlight and address unequal pay and teacher workload. During her Presidency Miriam worked tirelessly to ensure the professional voice of teachers was heard in relation to Senior Cycle change", the union said.
It said Ms Duggan was known to be courageous, fair and always kind.
Minister for Education Norma Foley joined tributes to Ms Duggan, calling her a "tireless advocate"..
"I last met Miriam at the ASTI conference in Wexford in April, where her life-long dedication and passion for education and inclusion was apparent to all who attended," Minister Foley said.
"Miriam displayed an enormous commitment to students, to her colleagues and the work of the ASTI. She was a strong leader and a tireless advocate for the education community.
"The thoughts of all involved in education are with her family, friends and colleagues at this time."
Ms Duggan is pre-deceased by her partner Desmond Fennell.
The union said it extended its deepest sympathies to her family, her colleagues "and her many ASTI friends".
