President Michael D Higgins has led tributes to former RTÉ journalist Tommie Gorman, saying he will be remembered as one of the outstanding public service broadcasters of his generation.
In a statement, Mr Gorman's family said that he died today surrounded by his family.
The 68-year-old retired from RTÉ in April 2021 after working at the broadcaster for more than 40 years.
At the time of his retirement, Mr Gorman was RTÉ News' Northern Editor.
President Higgins said that over more than 40 years reporting for RTÉ, Mr Gorman was a widely trusted and deeply insightful commentator on the North-West, Brussels and, perhaps most notably, Northern Ireland, where his incisive and well-informed commentary brought news of critical developments for 20 years.
"Throughout that time, Tommie was respected by all sides of the political spectrum and was a trusted source of information for the public during challenging years, the fostering of peace, and all that was achieved in Anglo-Irish relations over that time."
President Higgins said Mr Gorman was a naturally empathetic person and his courageous and generous work with cancer survivors leaves a very significant legacy.
"In speaking and writing about his own experiences, he brought a greater public awareness and understanding of the conditions and the treatments available for them."
Everyone at the League of Ireland would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of Tommie Gorman who has sadly passed away.
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) June 25, 2024
A big @sligorovers supporter, Tommie will be missed by all and around The Showgrounds. #LOI | @sligorovers pic.twitter.com/1cGRSTJ7Eq
President Higgins said Mr Gorman was a tireless champion of Sligo, and reflecting his lifelong love of soccer, of Sligo Rovers.
"Whether talking about the Bit o' Red or Tottenham Hotspur, Tommie always knew every minute detail of the clubs and their fortunes."
Sligo Rovers described Mr Gorman as a "one of our most dedicated supporters and treasured figures within our community and beyond".
In a statement, the club said that he was "a driving force" in recent years" in the redevelopment of its Showgrounds stadium, "a place he truly called home".
"That work continued up to recent days, such was his desire and belief behind the vision," the club added.
RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst said Tommie Gorman was and remains loved in RTÉ and across the country, adding that he went for dinner with him last Monday.
"He wanted to talk about RTÉ, about UK politics, about Irish politics. Yeah, he was very confident about the operation. He said to me I'll text you afterwards if you don’t hear from me, then you need to worry."
He said he was in great form and talking with "huge love and interest in his family".
Gorman made 'incredible contribution' to peace - Taoiseach
The Taoiseach said that Mr Gorman made "an incredible, incredible contribution not just to broadcasting but indeed to peace on this island".
Simon Harris said he met Mr Gorman recently "in Sligo Rovers, his beloved football club" and at a European Movement event also.
Mr Harris said he was "profoundly shocked and saddened" at the death of Mr Gorman.
"Tommie was a journalist of enormous standing who carried out his job and duty to report fairly and accurately with the utmost professionalism.
"In a world of instant and rolling news, Tommie Gorman was invited into people's homes night after night to give fair, impartial and in-depth analysis of one of the most precious things on our island - our peace process.
"To say he took this responsibility seriously is an understatement and as a result the Irish people trusted Tommie. If Tommie Gorman said it, then it happened."
A 'tremendous man' - Sinn Féin
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald described Mr Gorman as a "tremendous man" who conducted some of the most legendary interviews to have appeared on Irish television, "and while he was a tough interviewer, he was always fair".
"He reported on some of the most pivotal and vital moments of the peace process, and did so with passion and integrity and made an invaluable contribution.
"Most importantly, he was an absolute gentleman, and his friendship will be fondly missed by many today."
Ms McDonald said the "very sad" news of Mr Gorman's death is "very shocking" and she extended her party's shock and sympathy to his family.
Stormont's first minister, Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill said she was saddened to hear of his passing.
"An award-winning journalist over many decades, he was invested both professionally and personally in our peace process and in reconciling everyone who shares this island.
"Today, we have lost a fantastic journalist and a good friend, and his family has lost a loving husband and devoted father," she said
Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik extended her "deepest sympathies" to Mr Gorman's family "on the really sad and shocking news of his death".
"I hope, Ceann Comhairle, we will have the opportunity to pay tributes. He was a tremendous journalist, tremendous correspondent for RTÉ for so long," she said.
A 'fair-minded journalist' - SDLP
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood described the news of Mr Gorman's death as "desperately sad".
He said Mr Gorman was a good friend to everyone who knew him, a great storyteller and a fiercely independent, fair-minded journalist.
"I stood at microphones many times after a press conference and felt the familiar flash of panic that every political leader knew when they saw Tommie emerge from the pack to ask the blinder of a question that you were hoping wouldn't come.
"I saw him cut through waffling and guldering in his quiet, forceful manner, always trying to get past the heat and down to the heart of a story."
Mr Eastwood said he also saw Mr Gorman's endless dedication to telling the stories of ordinary people.
"It didn’t matter who you were or where you came from, he was interested in raising up the voices of people who needed to be heard. And I will always be grateful for his kind storytelling for the people of Derry."
A 'rare and unique' professional - DUP
DUP Leader Gavin Robinson said Mr Gorman was a titan of a journalist who not only got to the heart of the story, but built relationships with everyone he met, right across the divide.
"His ability and personality throughout 41 years with RTÉ cemented him as a rare, unique and unsurpassed professional.
Mr Robinson said that throughout 30 years battling cancer Mr Gorman not only helped support many others in a similar position, but it undoubtedly influenced his outlook on life and his work.
Gorman 'a committed journalist of great integrity' - NUJ
The Irish Secretary of the National Union of Journalists praised Mr Gorman for being "a committed journalist of great integrity".
Séamus Dooley said Mr Gorman "had genuine respect for the values of public service broadcasting and made a significant contribution to coverage of European affairs".
"His passion and patriotism was manifest in his coverage of Northern Ireland.
"He was also a loyal colleague with great interpersonal skills, known for his generosity of spirit," Mr Dooley added.
Book of condolence to open in Dublin
A book of condolence is being opened in Dublin for people to extend their sympathies on the death of Tommie Gorman.
It will be available for signing at the Mansion House on Dawson Street from tomorrow until Friday between 11am and 4pm each day.
The book is also available to sign online.
Additional reporting Conor MacCauley
