Jedward's mother Susanna Grimes passes away

Susanna Grimes, the mother of showbiz stars Jedward, has died.

Singers John and Edward Grimes - best known as Jedward - have paid tribute to her today.

Susanna was a very keen supporter of her twin sons.

They became almost household names through The X Factor talent competions.

The pair, who grew up in Leinster Street, Rathangan and attended primary school locally,  went on to represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest.

Susanna worked as her sons' manager for many years and was instrumental in their success as reality TV stars after they shot to fame here and in the UK on The X Factor in 2009.

Their dad has also been associated with the St. Brigid’s hurling club, which takes players from Kildare town and Rathangan

The pair made it through to the final 12 contestants and the live shows, eventually coming sixth.

Susanna Grimes passed away after battling cancer for several years, according to RTE..

Taking to Twitter, the twin brothers paid tribute to her, writing: "Rest In Peace Mammy You live on through us. We will miss you and your smile.

"You shaped the character of who we are. Mammy lived with cancer for many years but was always full of life! You live on in our memories and will always be alive in our hearts."