President Michael D Higgins pays tribute to Kildare resident following his passing

President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to Kildare resident Dick Warner after the former RTÉ presenter passed away yesterday.

Mr Warner, who lived in Donadea, was best known for presenting various waterways documentaries on RTÉ, while he was also a columnist with the Irish Examiner. The 70-year-old passed away yesterday after falling ill on a boat trip down the Shannon.

Floods of tributes have poured in for Mr Warner, and President Higgins said;

"It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death of Dick Warner," he said.

"He was a dedicated environmentalist as well as a  wonderful filmmaker, and his beautiful work on the canals of Ireland was outstanding.

Only last month, at an event celebrating the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Royal Canal, I referred to his dedication and skill in describing the rich heritage of our inland waterways.

Sabina and I wish to express our sympathy with his family and wide circle of friends."