The death of Derry Journal deputy editor Siobhan McEleney at the age of 46 has hit her colleagues hard.

She had been suffering a long illness but news of her death shocked all who knew her.

She had worked at the Journal since 1981, when she joined as a reporter, before becoming a sub-editor and being promoted to deputy editor in the late 1990s.

Journal group editor-in-chief Pat McArt said: “I have known Siobhan as a friend and colleague for almost 25 years.

"In that time I have never found her to be anything but an excellent journalist and a kind and warm human being.

"Words at this stage are not adequate to express what her death means to all of her colleagues at the Journal.

"Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy go to her husband, children and family."

Siobhan leaves her husband John, and four daughters.