Tara Road Author Maeve Binchy Dies Aged 72

Maeve Binchy, one of Ireland's most popular and best-selling novelists, has died after a short illness.

The 72-year-old author was with her husband, writer Gordon Snell, when she passed away peacefully in a hospital on Monday.

The successful writer sold more than 40 million books worldwide during her career.

Several pieces of her work were adapted for screen, including the Circle Of Friends, The Lilac Bus and Tara Road.

Born in Dalkey, Co Dublin, Binchy studied at University College Dublin before starting her career as a teacher.

She went on to become a journalist, columnist and later women's editor at the Irish Times before she moved to England where she became London editor with the paper.

Binchy's novels touched on poignant issues such as parent-child relationships and the illusion of love.

Her first novel, Light A Penny Candle, was published in 1982 and became a best seller.

Binchy, who was considered a true Irish storyteller, made Britain's top 10 most popular writers and the New York Times' Bestseller List.

Irish politicians paid tribute to the author, who has been described as inspirational.

Meath East TD Regina Doherty took to social network site Twitter to pay her respects.

"Godspeed Maeve Binchy RIP lovely warm gentle lady brought much joy through all her work," said Ms Doherty.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael's Jerry Buttimer tweeted that he was "so sad" to hear of her passing.