President pays tribute to former Irish Times columnist Ethna Viney following her death

Tributes have been paid to former Irish Times journalist Ethna Viney following her death.

As reported by The Irish Times, Ms Viney died on Friday, aged 95.

Among her well-known work was a weekly column in The Irish Times, Eye on Nature, which she penned from 1988 to 2021.

On Saturday, President Michael D Higgins released a statement expressing his "great sadness" over news of Ms Viney's death.

"Ethna, a great naturalist, feminist and journalist is a great loss to Irish life," President Higgins wrote.

"Ethna commissioned three articles from me for Technology Ireland, on regional policy in Ireland.

"A brilliant innovator, she was an early writer on the connection between science and technology and their impact on Ireland, but above all, she was a beautiful, warm person that valued nature.

"Her dedication to nature, and great expression of its wonder and kindness, was given exceptional and enduring expression throughout her career, opening new paths which have inspired and sustained so many and which will continue to do so," the president added, offering his condolences to Ms Viney's family and friends.

Born in Co Cavan, Ms Viney, née McManus, married journalist Michael Viney in 1965, and the couple had one daughter, Michele.

Ms Viney was predeceased by her husband, who died in May 2023.