Irish playwright and poet Tom MacIntyre has passed away at the age of 87.
MacIntyre passed away late last night following a long illness.
The renowned playwright was born in Cavan in 1931, and studied at UCD and worked as a teacher before he went on to become a full-time writer.
He published a number of volumes of poetry and short stories on top of his long list of plays.
He was best known for his theatre work, in particular the highly acclaimed stage play 'The Great Hunger' which saw him collaborate with director Patrick Mason and actor Tom Hickey.
His 1998 play 'Caoineadh Airt Uí Laoghaire' won him the Stewart Parker prize and in 2002 he was awarded The Irish Times/ ESB Irish Theatre Best New Play Award for 'The Gallant John-Joe'.
Fellow Cavan writer Michael Harding paid tribute to the late MacIntyre on Twitter writing: "Bidding farewell to Tom MacIntyre. Dear dear friend and teacher, I will miss you. Safe journey home. May the angels lead you into paradise."
In 1991 he was elected as a member of the Irish artists' association. Aosdana.
He is survived by his wife Celine and his five children, Deirdre, Darragh, Donal, Desmond and Tadhg, from his first marriage to Peggy McCarthy.
