The broadcaster Treasa Davison, who has died following a stroke, was best known for her RTE Radio overseas requests programmes, particularly Lebanon Requests for Irish troops serving with the United Nations.
She began special Defence Forces broadcasts when the troops were in Cyprus and recorded specials from Lebanon in the 20 years of Irish peacekeeping there.
Ms Davison, who was 72, also produced and presented RTE Radio One's Playback.
Mr Kevin Healy, RTE director of public affairs, said last night he was very sad to lose his former colleague, describing her as "an extremely popular broadcaster" who was "one of the most distinctive voices of RTE Radio" for many years.
"One of her earlier successes was her programme of overseas requests," he said. "She had a great love of radio and her job as radio announcer meant she was ideally placed to present Playback, Radio One's Saturday morning compilation programme. She will forever be associated with Playback, which became Radio One's most listened to weekend programme."
On behalf of the troops, Commdt Kieran McDaid, press officer for the Defence Forces, said they were "very saddened" to hear of her death.
"Her visits to the troops abroad were major occasions for the Defence Forces. She will be remembered fondly by all of us." He said when Ms Davison retired, they made a presentation to her. "We wish to convey our condolences to her family."
Born in New York, Ms Davison grew up in Galway. In her early career she worked as an actress with Micheal Mac Liammoir in An Taibhearc in Galway and the Gaiety and Gate theatres in Dublin.
In 1963, while she was living in Toronto, her husband was killed in a plane crash, leaving her with her two young children. When she returned to Ireland, Ms Davison went to work for RTE radio. She is survived by her two children.