MOURNERS attended the funeral of broadcaster and novelist Deirdre Purcell this morning in Dublin.
The 77-year-old, who died suddenly earlier this week, was an actor-turned journalist, broadcaster and novelist, who had published more than 20 books.
She died in the care of the doctors and nursing staff at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda on Monday, February 13, her family confirmed.
The mass card for the funeral of Deirdre Purcell outside Our Lady of Victories Church this morningThe popular Dubliner was the presenter for What It Says in the Papers on RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland and was the first woman appointed as a staff newsreader on RTÉ's Nine News.
Leading the tributes following her death, President of Ireland Michael D Higgins said: “In a distinguished career, Deirdre left a singular contribution in all of the different aspects of literature and broadcasting to which she turned her many talents – from her work as an actress in the Abbey Theatre, through her award-winning print journalism and time as the first female anchor of RTÉ’s Nine O’Clock news, and on to her critically acclaimed creative work in fiction.”
The coffin of Deirdre Purcell being carried into Our Lady of Victories Church, Ballymun Road, this morning. (Pics: Rolling News)Ms Purcell’s coffin was flanked by mourners as it was carried into Our Lady of Victories Church in Glasnevin, Dublin this morning.
The Mass was due to be followed by a private cremation in Glasnevin Cemetery.
