Miriam O'Callaghan pays poignant tribute to late colleague

Miriam O'Callaghan has poignantly paid tribute to her 'angel' friend and colleague Rhona O'Byrne, who passed away suddenly.

The Prime Time host heard the news of her friends death on Saturday just after arriving in Co Mayo where she had been due to speak at a fundraiser in aid of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice.

Ahead of Rhona's funeral on Tuesday, Miriam penned a heartfelt message in which she said she and her colleagues are 'beyond broken-hearted'.

Miriam began: 'Sometimes angels do exist in this life, incredible people who are just so special they’re touched by stardust. This week all of us on Prime Time and in RTÉ News and Current Affairs were truly shocked to lose our amazing colleague Rhona O'Byrne to heaven.'

'We are all beyond broken-hearted. It’s hard to put into words what she meant to us all - she was just everything that’s good about what we do, she was the beating heart of our workplace. We’re not sure how we will now all pick up the pieces without Rhona.'

'As we prepare ourselves for our final heartbreaking farewell to her this week, we’re all just thinking constantly of her adored son Harry and all the rest of her adoring family and loved ones.'

'Codladh sámh Rhona, and thank you so much for everything. I am broken-hearted you are gone.'

A host of well-known faces sent their love and condolences to Miriam from Neven Maguire to her RTÉ colleagues Mary Kennedy and Sharon Tobin.

'I’m so sorry to read about the loss of Rhona. She was a bright light around RTÉ always. So very supportive and encouraging always when our paths crossed. Thinking of you and your pals in PT Miriam. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sí,' Mary wrote.

Meanwhile Neven penned: 'So sorry to hear this may she rest in peace. A beautiful talented kind lady.'

Miriam found out about Rhona's passing on Saturday, and in an emotional video message she spoke of the huge loss of someone that had played an important part in her life for a long time.

Miriam said: 'When I landed here a short time ago, I learned that one of my dearest friends, the most beautiful work colleague that I've known forever, has gone to heaven.'

'And, you know it made me think "Why is it in life, that the nicest people seem to go to heaven way too early?"'

We're so sorry for your loss, Miriam.