Barrister and law lecturer Paul Anthony McDermott has died aged 47.
Mr McDermott was also a well-known commentator, and had a column in The Sunday Times newspaper for over a decade.
In a tweet, Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said he was deeply saddened to hear of Mr McDermott's death.
He described him as a "talented barrister, popular lecturer and entertaining newspaper columnist".
I’m deeply saddened to hear of the death of Paul Anthony McDermott (RIP). A very talented barrister, popular lecturer & entertaining newspaper columnist, he will be greatly missed by so many. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
— Charlie Flanagan (@CharlieFlanagan) December 10, 2019
Mr McDermott was one of the country's best-known lawyers, and was appointed as a senior counsel in 2015.
Micheál P O’Higgins, chairman of the Council of The Bar of Ireland, said Mr McDermott represented his many clients "with distinction".
He said: "I would like to extend our sympathies to Paul Anthony’s wife Annick, his children Harry and Andrew, his mother Margaret, his brother James and all of his wider family.
"Paul was immensely generous in sharing his legal expertise, not only with colleagues seeking assistance, but also through his lecturing and media work.
"He was a gifted teacher of the law in UCD who was hugely popular with his students.
"His ability to explain complex legal subjects and distil them for better public understanding was unparalleled."
The Office of the Press Ombudsman described him as a "compassionate lawyer", as well as a "witty newspaper columnist and a wise commentator on radio and television".
John Burns, associate editor of The Sunday Times, praised the columnist's "wit and erudition".
The Sunday Times in Ireland is in mourning this morning on learning of the death of Paul Anthony McDermott, SC, a columnist with this newspaper for over 10 years. His wit and erudition were greatly enjoyed by readers. Our sincere condolences to his wife and family. RIP
— john burns (@JohnBurnsST) December 10, 2019
