FORMER BOSCO PRESENTER Gráinne Uí Mhaitiú has died at the age of 72.

Ms Uí Mhaitiú, who also presented alongside Seán Bán Breathnach on the Irish-language programme SBB Ina Shuí, died in the care of staff at Tallaght University Hospital in Dublin.

Originally from Carrigacurra, Valleymount, Co Wicklow, she presented Bosco on RTÉ in the late 1970s and early 1980s, alongside Frank Twomey and other presenters during the show’s long-running broadcast history.

She is survived by her husband Séamas, son Connla, daughter Aoife, sisters Bríd and Aislinn, brother Cillín, granddaughters Bláithín and Sadhbh, son-in-law Jarlath and a wide circle of friends.

Tributes have been shared online and in condolence messages, with many viewers recalling childhood memories of the programme and describing her as a familiar and comforting presence on Irish television.

“Gràinne was part of all of the children’s lives of Ireland who watched Bosco in the past,” one tribute said.

“It feels like a much loved teacher has left us.”

Bosco ran on RTÉ from 1979 to 1987 and remained a fixture of children’s schedules through repeats into the 1990s, becoming one of the broadcaster’s best-known children’s programmes of the era.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.