Irish author Emma Hannigan has passed away after battling cancer

Tributes are pouring in.

Best selling Irish author Emma Hannigan passed away earlier today, Breast Cancer Ireland has confirmed.

BCI wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of our dear friend Emma Hannigan who lost her battle with cancer earlier today. RIP pic.twitter.com/tlKKR5w2hX

— BreastCancerIreland (@BreastCancerIre) March 3, 2018

The Wicklow mum-of-two, who had cancer 10 times throughout her life, revealed that she was losing her battle in an open letter to her fans on her official Facebook page two weeks ago. She said that she had had "conversation I never wanted to have" with her medical team a few weeks ago, where they told her "all avenues have now been exhausted". The post began:

"All good things must come to an end "The time that I knew was borrowed must be given back soon, so it seems. The conversation I never wanted to have has been said. "My medical team have thrown everything but the kitchen sink at this fight but all avenues have now been exhausted. "To say that I am heartbroken doesn’t begin to cover it. "But I feel I’d like to say something, after all that’s what I’ve done over the years - say stuff, write stuff and tell you what’s going down. So I feel it wouldn’t be fair to leave you out in the cold right now. "I’ve gained such strength from all of you. We’ve shared tips and hints and stories over the years. For all of it – thank you. "Thank you for taking my hand when I needed it most and for posting all sorts from doggy snaps to moggy pics and the rest.We’ve made a great team." 

Tributes from fans and friends alike have been pouring in online: Our lovely and beautiful friend Emma Hannigan has lost her battle to Cancer.

She was such an inspiration to all of us and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with her family. She will always be in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/dEmsUYlqzD — Elaine (@tv3elaine) March 3, 2018

Very very sad news. RIP Emma Hannigan https://t.co/2JKp7Vzxwb

— Writers' Week (@WritersWeek) March 3, 2018

Such sad news about Emma Hannigan. What an amazing person, she achieved so much right to the end. #HelpEmmaHelpOthers #breastcancerawareness https://t.co/GeETo1k5SB

— Dr. Frances Harkin (@Frank11Guinness) March 3, 2018

Just heard the sad news that the brave and beautiful Emma Hannigan has passed away.

An inspiration to so many women, she fought a long, hard battle and was such a strong person throughout it all. RIP x — Caroline Hofman (@CearuilinH) March 3, 2018

RIP Emma ? RT @BreastCancerIre: BCI wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of our dear friend Emma Hannigan who lost her battle with cancer earlier today. RIP pic.twitter.com/epTzwRa7Td

— Rosanna Davison (@rosanna_davison) March 3, 2018

RIP, Emma.