The creators of RTE's Zig and Zag have led tributes to a top Irish producer following her death this week.
Michelle Forde, 38, who was originally from Glanmire in Cork and lived in London, passed away in Marymount Hospice on Monday surrounded by her family.
The talented producer, writer and actress was described as a 'bright light' in the animation world by Double Z Creative, made up of Ciaran Morrison and Mick O'Hara, the team who created the Irish puppet duo Zig and Zag which featured on The Den.
In a Twitter post, Double Z Creative, wrote: "We're both devastated at the passing of our friend and colleague Michelle Forde who passed away on Monday.
"She was a bright light in the animation world and one of the kindest, smartest and most generous people you could ever hope to work with. She will be missed so much!"
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Michelle's death notice on Rip.ie reads: "On May 16th 2022, peacefully surrounded by her loving family and in the wonderful care of the staff at Marymount, Michelle, devoted partner of Adam, adored daughter of Michael and Veronica, loving sister of Gayle, David, Valerie, Joseph, Kelly and Michael.
"Sadly missed by her heartbroken parents, sisters, brothers, partner, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews Patrick, Jack and Matthew, uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives and friends both home and abroad."
More tributes poured in online as one person wrote: "I was lucky enough to have met and known Michelle while she was a student at the Gaiety School of Acting and remember her as a force of energy and kindness around those corridors.
"She was always a lady, always professional. I was so sad to hear of Michelle's death and my thoughts and prayers are with her family and all her loved ones at such a sad time. She was so brave. May she rest in peace. Goodbye Michelle."
In another wrote a heartbreaking tribute, a friend wrote: "I can’t take this in, I’m absolutely and utterly devastated. I hate that you had been on the terrible journey you’ve had to face over these years and I hate that it finally took you from us.
"We have been robbed of one of the nicest, funniest, silliest and most creative souls. I loved working with you and I will never forget you. We had so many fun times creating and writing kids stuff and taking those ideas on mad escapades across the world together.
"You were brilliant at your job, you propelled me, and I am glad to have been your friend. You’ve gone too soon, Michelle. I’ll never forget you."
Michelle's funeral mass will take place at 12pm on Thursday at St. Mary’s Church, Innishannon, and she will be buried the adjoining cemetery.
