Journalist, author and women's rights activist Nell McCafferty has died at the age of 80.
She passed away this morning at a nursing home in County Donegal.
She was born in Derry in 1944, and went on to co-found the Irish Women's Liberation Movement (IWLM).
In a statement this morning, Taoiseach described her as "fierce, fearless and fiery".
Simon Harris paid tribute to her determination.
"Her passion and wrath was not scattergun, it had a laser-like focus on calling out inequality and injustice.
"She suffered no fools but had a kindness and warmth for many. Her wit and Derry turn of phrase made her impossible to ignore".
Journalist Mary Kenny, founded the IWLM with Nell McCafferty and others in 1970.
She says Nell's wit was an important element of how she influenced others.
"I mean, that's the thing about Nell, she's a marvellous sense of humour, so even people who were critical of her, perhaps because she was so upfront, were completely disarmed by her charm and by how funny she could be, in that very special Derry way".
The Irish Women's Council paid tribute to Nell McCafferty's courage and trailblazing work for women's rights.
"We are indebted to Nell.
"She was completely unafraid to name injustice wherever she saw it, and at times she was deeply unpopular for it. But her work paid dividends.
"Nell, and many others like her, helped shape the Ireland we live in today – a country which is more equal, less ashamed, and where women are freer to live the lives we deserve".
The National Union of Journalists said "with the death of Nell McCafferty, a bright light has been extinguished."
Séamus Dooley, NUJ Irish Secretary, said "she was one of the most renowned journalists in the country as a reporter, columnist, author and broadcaster. The public recognised in her a deep commitment to social justice.
"The fact that she was so often referred to only by her first name is a reflection of her special place in Irish journalism and in the public consciousness".
