Heart surgeon Maurice Nelligan dies

Renowned Irish heart surgeon Maurice Nelligan has died.

He passed away peacefully at home in Blackrock, Co Dublin this morning.

His family say he had not been ill and in fact had a full round of speaking engagements planned to promote a new book.

He is survived by his wife, Dr Patricia Nelligan. The couple had seven children.

Speaking in August this year, Dr Nelligan said he had tremendous respect for religion and the afterlife.

"I'm a believer…I can't prove there is a God. I accept the teachings of my Church, and I'm comfortable with it," he said.