Two healthcare workers have died within a day of each other of suspected coronavirus.
The man and woman both worked at St Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny.
The staff members, both middle aged, became ill recently.
The man, a healthcare assistant in his 40s, was the first to pass at his home on Tuesday, April 14.
The woman, a household staff member in her 50s, then sadly died in hospital today, April 15.
Both healthcare workers had children.
A spokesperson for the Ireland East Hospital Group told independent.ie: "We can confirm two valued staff members have passed away at St Luke's Hospital.
"We can't comment on individual staff.
"We are deeply saddened at their passing."
Both workers who were employed as support staff at the hospital were members of SIPTU and are deeply mourned by their colleagues and friends.
SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell, said:“We offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of our two deceased members.
"The colleagues of these two workers as well as the members and staff of the Union’s health division are deeply shocked by their deaths.
"These two workers have made the ultimate sacrifice while assisting in the fight against the Covid-19 virus."
