Journalist and writer Tommie Gorman has passed away aged 68

The former RTÉ journalist Tommie Gorman has passed away today at the age of 68.

Gorman retired from RTÉ in April 2021 after working at the national broadcaster for 41 years. At the time of his retirement, he was RTÉ News' Northern Editor.

Mr Gorman's family announced the news of his passing earlier today in a statement.

"Tommie was a cherished husband, father, brother, and friend whose innate kindness and generosity of spirit touched the lives of all who knew him," his family said.

"His memory will forever remain in our hearts, and his spirit will continue to guide and inspire us daily."

Born in Sligo in 1956, Gorman attended Summerhill College for secondary school and the College of Journalism, Rathmines, Dublin, before joining RTÉ in 1980 as the North-West correspondent.

In 1989, the journalist moved to Brussels to become Europe Editor and was appointed Northern Editor in 2001.

Gorman's credits include his famous interview with Roy Keane after the footballer's fall out with the Republic of Ireland's soccer manager, Mick McCarthy, at the Japan 2002 World Cup training camp on the island of Saipan.

He also notably interviewed Irish poet Seamus Heaney after he had won the Nobel Prize for Literature on a Greek Island.

Gorman made several documentaries during his career; his latest and last, Ireland, Cancer and Me, gave a personal account of living with a cancer condition.

He was diagnosed with Cancer in 1994 when he was 37 years old and working in Brussels, became a Freeman of Sligo in 2003 and was conferred an Honorary Degree by NUIG in 2011.

President Micheal D Higgins also led tribute following the announcement of Gorman's death.

"Tommie Gorman will be remembered as one of the outstanding public service broadcasters of his generation", he said

"Over over 40 years reporting for RTÉ, he 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 twenty years."

Higgins said that Gorman was a "naturally empathetic person" and that his "courageous and generous work with cancer survivors leaves a very significant legacy", which he hopes brings comfort to his family and those who knew Gorman.

Gorman is survived by his wife, Ceara Roche, and their two children, Moya and Joe.