The body of a renowned journalist was found in the Irish Sea and recovered shortly before 2am on Thursday, reports the Irish Independent.

Police believe Carline Walsh, the Irish Times literary editor, walked into the sea between Seapoint and the West Pier in Dun Laoghaire, south Dublin, late on Wednesday night. Walsh, 59, had been suffering from depression.

Her car was found parked at the West Pier car park and sources said there were indications left that she intended to take her life.

Emergency services were alerted shortly after midnight and both the Coastguard and police helicopters attended the scene. Walsh was later declared dead at St Vincent's Hospital.

Walsh was the daughter of the novelist and short story writer, Mary Lavin. She grew up in Co Meath with her two sisters. In the 80s and 90s she worked on the news and features pages and became literary editor in 1999. A collection of her Loose Leaves column was published in 1980.

Last week, literary figures paid tribute to Ms Walsh.

"It is shocking news, a sadness that will be felt by every writer in the country and by her wide circle of friends," said Seamus Heaney.
 
"Caroline was a generous woman and an important presence in the country in her capacity as literary editor of the Irish Times. She was greatly respected for her contribution to our cultural life and beloved for the kind and distinguished person she was. Our thoughts are with James Ryan and all of her family at this distressing moment."

Colm Toibin said that, in her role as an editor, she displayed "immense generosity, intelligence and flair. For her, the ethos of the Irish Times, what the paper meant in Ireland, was an idea that she treasured as something fundamental in her life."

Ms Walsh lived in Ranelagh, Dublin and is survived by her husband and two children. Her funeral took place on Christmas Eve at the University Church on St Stephen's Green, Dublin.