The death has been announced of former RTÉ director general Joe Barry, who led the national broadcaster from 1992 to 1997.
Mr Barry, from Dunmanway, Co Cork, passed away last night.
He started his career in RTÉ in 1956 and worked in a variety of operational and managerial positions before being appointed Director General in 1992, a role he stayed in until 1997.
He subsequently served a term on the RTÉ Authority from 2000 for four years.
RTÉ's current Director General Dee Forbes said: "We were greatly saddened to learn of the passing of former Director General Joe Barry who served Radio Éireann and RTÉ with distinction and ambition.
"While I didn't know Joe personally, I was aware of his legacy in driving greater levels of regional representation and employment by RTÉ, his tenacity in transitioning our services to the 24-hour model that we know today, and his passion for strong national public service broadcasting, particularly in the face of increasing competition.
"He made a significant contribution to Irish life, both within RTÉ and in other roles in later years.
"Our thoughts are with his wife, Aileen, and family at this sad time."
RTÉ described Mr Barry as a "dedicated public servant, committed to ensuring that RTÉ reflected the lives of the people of Ireland".
Mr Barry's time as director general saw the opening of new RTÉ studios on Father Matthew Quay in Cork city centre, which he officially opened.
His tenure also saw the launch of RTÉ's online services in 1996 and RTÉ hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1997.
President Michael D Higgins called Mr Barry a "distinguished pioneer of public broadcasting in Ireland".
In a statement President Higgins said: "As Minster for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, I had the privilege of working closely with Joe and greatly valued his enormous contribution over those years, with so many highlights, including the hosting of the Eurovision, setting up the Irish Film Board and launching RTÉ radio's 24 hour service in 1994.
"In particular, his invaluable stewardship of the establishment of TG4, then Teilifís na Gaeilge, in Baile na hAbhann in 1994 was a seminal moment in Irish public broadcasting and brought a new energy, respect and creativity to the Irish language as well as creating employment for a whole new generation of Irish speakers.
"On behalf of Sabina and myself, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Joe's family and to all his friends and colleagues."
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Joe Barryhttps://t.co/xssxjJZGwY pic.twitter.com/ovq0pVcEdH
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) July 7, 2022
Former Taoiseach John Bruton told RTÉ he has "nothing but happy memories" of his interactions with the late Mr Barry.
"Joe held that post for a good part of my time as Taoiseach," Mr Bruton said.
"My vivid memory is of his friendly welcome whenever I arrived in Montrose for what were often potentially tense interviews.
"His friendliness epitomised the characteristics of of his native west Cork.
"I extend sympathy to all his family."
