Maura Derrane sadly lost her beloved sister last week

The TV presenter was back presenting 'Today' alongside Dáithí Ó Sé on Monday.

The journalist bravely opened up about why she had been missing from the show.

She explained to viewers that her beloved sister, Rita Derrane had sadly passed away last week.

Maura praised the 'Today' viewers for sending her such loving messages during such a heartbreaking time.

She said the kindness of the public really shone over the past few days.

Dáithí mentioned that Maura and her family had "a tough couple of weeks" recently.

She replied: "We have absolutely and a lot of you probably know that my sister Rita passed away last week.

"But I just want to say a heartfelt thank you from me and my family to all of you who have sent so many messages to us and also to all those who wrote in the book of condolence and to the lot of you who came into Conneelys Funeral Home in Galway to pay your respects I just want to say thank you.

"Our viewers are all wonderful," Maura added.

Her younger sister Rita sadly died at University College Hospital in Galway last Tuesday.

She was surrounded by her loved ones when she passed away.

We're thinking of Maura and her family during this heartbreaking time.

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