Former RTÉ presenter and sports commentator Jim Sherwin has died aged 81, following a short illness, at home with his family.

Mr Sherwin enjoyed a long and successful career as a broadcaster, sports commentator and producer. He was RTÉ's main commentator at eight Olympic Games from Munich to Athens.

His rugby commentary on radio and television spanned four decades, from 1970 to 2004, and he commentated for more than 20 years on tennis for RTÉ including grand slam events such as Wimbledon and the French Open.

Mr Sherwin was also RTÉ's lead commentator on many non-sporting outside broadcasts, including the inauguration of Presidents, and produced documentaries and films on a wide range of subjects, including health, social issues and sport.

He is survived by his wife Anne and four children, James, Ian, Cliona and John, along with 11 grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.