ONE of Ireland's best known literary critics Eileen Battersby has died after a car crash in Co Meath.

Ms Battersby, 61, passed away last night after the accident on Saturday afternoon at 2pm, just 4km outside Drogheda, Co Louth.

Her daughter was also injured in the smash and was admitted to hospital.

Tributes have been paid to Ms Battersby, who was the Irish Times literary critic up until July this year. Her work also appeared in the Financial Times and The New York Times.

Irish Times editor Paul O'Neill said she was "one of the most influential critics of her generation."

She was also a regular contributor to RTE Radio 1's arts programme, Sunday Miscellany.

Paying tribute, the show tweeted: "We're greatly saddened to hear of the sudden death of Eileen Battersby. Our deepest sympathy to her daughter Nadia, her family and many friends. As a contributor to Sunday Miscellany, Eileen wrote superb scripts with both emotional and intellectual depth.

"In company, she was warm, funny and vibrant. She recorded a piece on Silent Night at our Christmas concert in the NCH earlier this month and we will broadcast it on Christmas Day in tribute to her. She will be sorely missed."

In a statement this morning, Gardai said: "A 61-year-old female seriously injured in a road traffic collision at Sheephouse on the Oldbridge to Donore Road 4 kms outside Drogheda on Saturday, December 22nd 2018 was pronounced dead at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda last night, Sunday 23rd December 2018.

"The collision occurred at approximately 2pm at Sheephouse (townland).The driver and front seat passenger (both female) were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.

"Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Ashbourne Garda station on 01 8010600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station."