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Funeral of Maeve Binchy takes place today

The funeral of journalist and celebrated novelist Maeve Binchy takes place at the Church of the Assumption, in Dalkey, Co Dublin this morning.

The 72-year-old writer, who died on Monday evening after a short illness, will be privately cremated after the funeral service.

After working as a teacher and then a journalist with the Irish Times, Ms Binchy published her first book, Light a Penny Candle, in 1982.

She went on to sell 42m books worldwide during a 30-year career, becoming one of Ireland’s best-selling writers.

Tributes have poured in from the world of politics and literature since Ms Binchy's death, including from President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Hundreds of people, including several high-profile members of the arts and literary world, are expected to attend the acclaimed writer's funeral, which takes place at 11.30am.

She is survived by her husband Gordon, brother William and sister Joan.

RTE