Writer John McGahern dies suddenly aged 72

The award-winning novelist and playwright John McGahern has died in hospital in Dublin at the age of 72.

McGahern, who was regarded as Ireland's finest living writer, is understood to have died suddenly this afternoon following a battle with cancer.

He was born in Dublin in 1934, but grew up and spent most of his life in Co Leitrim.

In 1990, his best-known novel, Amongst Women, was short-listed for the Booker Prize.

His most recent novel, That They May Face the Rising Sun, was published in 2001 and was nominated for the IMPAC award.

McGahern was a member of Aosdana and has won a string of accolades, including the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres and the Prix Etranger Ecureuil.

He has also taught at universities in the United States, Canada, England, and Ireland.