President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to historian and writer Sr Margaret Mac Curtain. 

In a statement, the President said there were "so many aspects of Irish life, past and present, to which she made a unique and valuable contribution". 

He said Sr Margaret will be remembered not only for her academic achievements but also for her tireless campaigning for social justice. 

"We owe her a profound debt of gratitude for her advocacy on the abolition of corporal punishment in schools and for the rights of children with special educational needs, and indeed for her academic work in which she highlighted the oft neglected role of women in Irish history. 

"She brought not only great determination and energy to all her work but also great humour, compassion and humanity. 

"She will be missed by the countless people she inspired, but most acutely by her family and fellow members of the Dominican order. Sabina and I express our deepest condolences to all those whose lives she touched."