Marian Finucane has been described as an icon of Irish broadcasting at her funeral mass in Co Kildare.

Hundreds of mourners from the world of politics and public life attended the funeral of the 69-year-old in Kill.

She passed away suddenly at her home last Thursday.

Her funeral took place at St Brigid's Church and was followed by a private burial.

Her son, Jack, thanked the thousands of people from all over the country who sent messages of condolence to the family.

He said Marian was a woman of many parts - including mother, sister, aunt, architect and broadcaster - but there was also another side to her life.

"The woman I knew behind all these selves was a shy lady, who was as happy reading a book in silence as she was sitting around a dinner table in the small hours of the morning with friends - laughing, joking, singing when she could remember the words.

"Debating the politics of the day and generally sorting out the world's problems one dinner party at a time".

Marian Finucane's coffin leaving the church in Kill, ahead of her private burial this afternoon pic.twitter.com/4VyhTdP1Rw

— Shane Beatty (@ShaneBeattyNews) January 7, 2020

She was a prominent figure within Irish radio broadcasting over the past four decades.

She began her career in RTÉ in 1974, initially working as a continuity announcer.

After serving as a reporter on 'Day by Day', she began presenting 'Women Today' in 1979 - a radio programme focused on issues affecting women.

A photograph of Marian Finucane, sits beside a book of condolence at the RTÉ Radio Centre in Donnybrook, Dublin | Image: Brian Lawless/PA Wire/PA Images

Her subsequent roles at the State broadcaster included serving as the first presenter of the 'Liveline' phone-in show, which she hosted between 1985 and 1999.

In recent years, she has presented the Saturday and Sunday morning shows on RTÉ Radio One.

Tributes have been pouring in since her passing - with President Michael D Higgins describing her as a "deeply respected, trusted and much loved broadcaster".

He said: "A superb professional, many will remember the wisdom and sensitivity with which Marian Finucane dealt with discussions and confrontations between different voices on what were controversial issues of the day.

"She was one of the very early exemplars to those who sought a proper representation of women in broadcasting."

Former presidents have also weighted in - Mary Robinson described her as a trailblazer, while Mary McAleese said she was a kind and passionate broadcaster.

The 'Late Late Show' also featured a special tribute to her on Friday night.