Beloved broadcaster and novelist Deirdre Purcell dies aged 77

The best selling author published over 20 books in her lifetime and was a familiar voice on RTÉ radio and television

Deirdre Purcell was the first female anchor of the Nine O'Clock news on RTÉ Television. Picture: Arthur Carron/Collins

Beloved broadcaster turned novelist Deirdre Purcell has died aged 77.

The best-selling author published over 20 books in her lifetime and was a familiar voice on RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, presenting It Says in the Papers. She was also the first female anchor of the Nine O'Clock news on RTÉ Television.