'She was an amazing, brave woman'

Hayes, who hosts breakfast on Classic Hits, shared the sad news today as he paid tribute to his 'beautiful wife' who passed after six years of living with cancer.

He paid tribute on Instagram, writing: "My beautiful wife Anne passed yesterday morning after living with cancer for six years.

"She was an amazing, brave woman who lived life to the very end. Her smile will never be forgotten."

Her death notice on RIP.ie says that she died "peacefully, surrounded by her loving family and in the wonderful care of St. Vincent’s Private Hospital."

It says: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mum, sister, aunt and friend, Anne Laird-Caffrey.

"Anne was the glue that bound us all together; her incredible kindness and warmth will be felt forever by all who knew and loved her.

"Predeceased by her mother, Margaret O'Neill, she is survived by her loving family: her father Sylvester, husband Colm, daughter Holly, son Alex and his fiancé Laura, and her siblings Paul, Mark, Trish, Martin, Therese, Steven and Tara.

"Her loss is deeply felt by her uncle, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and wide circle of friends."

Jennifer Zamparelli paid tribute writing: "Oh my god. So sorry for your loss."

Lucy Kennedy wrote: "Haysey, I love you very much and I’m here for you all, whenever you need me. X."

Carl Mullan added: "So sorry for your loss Colm."

And Laura Woods wrote: "So sorry for your loss Colm, thinking of you, H & A and all the family."