Popular Irish TV presenter dies after battle with illness

Popular Irish TV presenter Aideen Kennedy has died aged 43 after a battle with illness.

Kennedy, who worked for UTV in Northern Ireland, shared several posts on her official Twitter account signaling she was seriously ill.

She explained she was bleeding in her stomach and in subsequent posts said she was undergoing numerous blood transfusions.

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"Day 19 in hospital - say a wee prayer for me," she wrote on Twitter on June 14. "Bleeding in stomach."

Her next health update was shared on just minutes later and reads: "God bless those people who give blood, I am on my 12th transfusion and I can't believe someone would be so kind and selfless."

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Her next heartbreaking post was shared on June 17.

She wrote: "So life has not gone well and I am as sick as I was when I went in to hospital so essentially going home to die but getting palliative care.

"The kids know," she continues. "If you ever come across them, will you an [sic] eye out for them, they are the kindest, sweetest most thoughtful kiddies."

She has since passed away and her family has chosen not to disclose her illness.

Her former employer UTV confirmed the news, with a spokesperson telling The Irish Times they were "deeply saddened" to hear of her death.

"A truly gifted reporter, she spent many years at UTV bringing viewers stories from all over Northern Ireland," they said. "We wish to extend our heartfelt sympathies to her family at this very sad time."

She is survived by husband Conor Kennedy and their children.

Kennedy's life had been marred by tragedy, with the reporter telling the Belfast Telegraph about how she lost her siblings.

"My brother Dara (35) died from a brain tumour, months later my sister Fiona (44) died from cancer and I'd a brother Rory who died in a road accident," she told the publication.

"So I have no brothers or sisters left," she added. "I think about them every day. I loved them to bits".

Her final Twitter post has received almost 1,400 comments with colleagues paying tribute to the former TV presenter and fans sharing their condolences.

"Our first encounter on twitter, was when you were keeping us all entertained with a holiday romance - he was definitely punching above his weight!" writes one. "Since then I've enjoyed the highs & lows of life with your parents & children. Such a kind & loving person. Loving thoughts with you."

Another writes: "Utterly heartbreaking. We'll miss your amazing contributions to society through your top notch journalism. No doubt we'll all be praying and keeping an eye out for your wee ones."

"Just read of your passing, and it hurt," one Twitter follower comments. "May your kids take the best of you & bring it all to the next level!!! Sleep easy Can we all hug your parents......some people are given more than is fair."

"So shocked and deeply saddened to hear this and of Aideen's sudden passing," adds another. "My sister Paula who worked with her in RNIB is distraught, such a beautiful, intelligent, caring girl. Thoughts are with her children, parents and wider family."