“I know he has made an incredible, incredible contribution not just to broadcasting, but indeed to peace on this island,” he told the Dail. “I know everybody is in a state of shock to hear that news. I would have met Tommie only in recent weeks in Sligo Rovers, his beloved football club, and, indeed, very recently at the European Movement event that and Minister (Paschal) Donohoe was at.”

Mr Donohoe also offered his condolences in the Dail chamber in the wake of Mr Gorman’s death.

“I only met him last Monday night and I can’t believe this news. I hope we’ll have an opportunity to say more at a more appropriate point.”