A former daily newspaper reporter described as “one of the most talented journalists of her generation” has died.

Tributes have been paid to Mary Campbell, who began her career on the Belfast-based Irish News before going on to work for the BBC and RTÉ.

Mary, who was in her late fifties, died on Wednesday after a short illness.

Irish News editor Noel Doran has been among those to pay tribute.

He said: “Mary Campbell was one of the most talented journalists of her generation and was highly regarded during her time here.

“She went on to have a distinguished career with both the BBC and RTÉ and she will be sadly missed by her many friends among the past and present staff of the Irish News.”

Mary began her career in the 1980s as a reporter on the News, where she was first female farming correspondent, before moving to BBC Radio Ulster in 1989.

She later joined RTÉ Radio One’s Pat Kenny Show before moving to BBC’s Dublin bureau in 1999, and returning to RTÉ as news editor in 2005.

She became deputy programming editor with the broadcaster in 2015.

News contributor Gerry McLaughlin described Mary as “exceptionally bright and equally understated, a calm presence in a very egotistical industry and was always superbly organised.”

Arts journalist Jane Coyle posted on Twitter: “We met in 1980s working for The Irish News. Serene, wry, kind, clever. Always pleased to bump into each other. Last time at Happy Days festival in Enniskillen. Hard to believe. A lovely person.”

Mary’s funeral was held on Saturday in Cloghran, County Dublin, with donations in lieu of flowers to Irish Cancer Society.

Memorial Mass will be held in St John the Baptist Church, Toura, Belleek, in County Fermanagh, at a date to be confirmed.