"It was with great shock and sadness that I learned today of Tommie’s passing.

"For so many of us, Tommie was a guide, helping us navigate the complexities of Northern Ireland, and before that Europe. His clarity of expression, built on deep knowledge and great connections, shaped this nation’s understanding of many historic days. It was a measure of Tommie that he did not have contacts, he only had friends. Friendships founded in trust and respect. My personal friendship with him was one I valued very highly.

"As RTE’s Northern Editor from 2001 until his retirement three years ago, Tommie was the voice of the peace process. More than that, Tommie was an important part of the process – his knowledge and wisdom enriched those in the negotiating rooms just as much as it informed those outside, while his humour and generosity kept negotiators going just as optimism may have flagged. It is so fitting that Tommie’s last article – published by The Currency only ten days ago – was a reflection on the peace process.

"He was an outstanding journalist who over four decades, covered many of the biggest stories in modern Ireland, from politics and current affairs, to his iconic Roy Keane interview.

"Tommie’s commitment to accuracy and humanity, along with his attention to detail, never wavered from his time as a young reporter in the Western Journal to his 41 year career in RTÉ.

"Through his reporting, he earned the trust of the Irish people. He was the personification of public service broadcasting and leaves behind a powerful journalistic legacy.

"Tommie once remarked, on his friendship with the late Colm Murray, that ‘awareness of mortality encourages you to do the best with the time you have.’ Tommie did just that, living with neuroendrocrine cancer for many years, he worked to establish an Irish Centre of Excellence for others here with the illness. In so doing, he improved the lives of many.

"In all things, Tommie was a Sligo man. A Sligo Rovers fan. And a people person. He leaves this island, north and south, a better place. For that we owe Tommie profound thanks.

"My heartfelt condolences to Tommie’s family, Ceara, Joe and Moya. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."