Former RTÉ journalist Colm Keane's funeral to take place on Tuesday

The author and former RTÉ journalist passed away on Saturday at the age of 70.

He is predeceased by his late son Seán and survived by his wife, former RTÉ newsreader Una O'Hagan.

A funeral service will take place for Colm on Tuesday, January 25th, at 11.30am in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, The Strand, in his native Youghal, Co. Cork. A private cremation will take place afterwards.

The mass will be available to view live on the Youghal Parish website.

In the late 1970s, Colm joined RTÉ’s Today Tonight programme, which was known for its in-depth analysis and investigative reporting.

He eventually moved into radio, where he worked as a reporter, presenter, producer and series producer.

During his time with RTÉ, Mr Keane also presented and produced many radio series – and edited and wrote accompanying books – on mental health, including Nervous Breakdown, The Stress File, Mental Health in Ireland, The Teenage Years and Death and Dying.

In 2003, he retired from broadcasting and embarked on a career as a full-time author. Eight of his 29 books became No.1 bestsellers.

Many of Colm’s former RTÉ colleagues are now paying tribute to the late broadcaster on social media.

RTÉ Radio broadcaster John Creedon wrote on Twitter: “So sorry to learn of the death of our colleague Colm Keane.

"I'll always fondly remember his enthusiasm and our early-morning chats about Bray Wanderers, music, Youghal, the Irish Saints and any subject you care to mention. Deepest condolences to Una, and all of those closest to him.”

Another RTÉ colleague, sports reporter Tony O’Donoghue, described Colm as “a great guy.”

“Oh no…. that’s awful news, Colm was a great guy. Condolences to Una and family,” he said.