Noel Whelan, barrister and political commentator, has passed away

Whelan played a massive role in the campaigns to legalise same-sex marriage and repeal the 8th Amendment in Ireland.

Whelan was a regular columnist for the Irish Times.

The paper confirmed that Whelan died yesterday evening.

They wrote: "Mr Whelan died on Wednesday evening after a short illness.

"An Irish Times columnist, author and a former advisor for Fianna Fáil, Mr Whelan ran for the party as a general election candidate for the Dublin South East constituency in 1997."

Tributes have been pouring in for Noel following the announcement of his death.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar shared a post on Twitter saying: "So sad to hear that Noel Whelan has passed away. We come from different party backgrounds but I feel this morning like Ireland has lost a friend. Such a sharp intellect. So articulate and effective on marriage equality."

So sad to hear that Noel Whelan has passed away. We come from different party backgrounds but I feel this morning like Ireland has lost a friend. Such a sharp intellect. So articulate and effective on marriage equality.

— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) July 11, 2019

Panti Bliss paid tribute to Noel's role in campaigning for the Yes vote in the marriage referendum, writing: "Shocked and saddened to read this this morning. I got married yesterday and Noel played a huge and invaluable role in making that possible and I'll be forever grateful to him for that. Sincere condolences to his family and loved ones."

Shocked and saddened to read this this morning. I got married yesterday and Noel played a huge and invaluable role in making that possible and I'll be forever grateful to him for that. Sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. https://t.co/L57x2OATAG

— Dr Panti Bliss-Cabrera (@PantiBliss) July 11, 2019

Elsewhere, those who were part of the repeal campaign shared tributes to Noel, including Ailbhe Smyth and Orla O'Connor.

We are very sad to hear that Noel Whelan has died. We will be missing a brilliant thinker and supporter of NWCI. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.https://t.co/Vx1reOCd7p

— Womenscouncilireland (@NWCI) July 11, 2019

Incredibly sad and shocking news that Noel Whelan has died, brillant intellect and strategist and a great friend to all of us who campaigned for abortion and marriage equality. Thinking about Sinead, their son and all Noel’s family this morning. https://t.co/KYMev9Yr8Z

— Orla O'Connor (@OrlaNWCI) July 11, 2019

Very sad to hear of the death of Noel Whelan. He was a tower of strength & wisdom during not only Marriage Equality ref, but also so generously in Repeal campaign. He will be most sorely missed. Deepest sympathy to his family. https://t.co/9ATwa3MDBU

— Ailbhe Smyth (@ailbhes) July 11, 2019