The respected broadcaster and presenter passed away peacefully on Saturday following illness.
Journalist and broadcaster Keelin Shanley, well-regarded as the face of RTÉ Six One News, has died at the age of 51.
Shanley, who had been dealing with cancer for some time, passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon, RTÉ confirmed via a statement.
Shanley had over 20 years experience as a journalist and broadcaster having initially graduated from Trinity College with a degree in biochemistry before working as a researcher in the Department of Pharmacology in the University of Bologna.
Returning to Ireland, Shanley began working with the national broadcaster, presenting a number of science and technology programmes in the late 1990s.
In 1999, Shanley joined Prime Time, working as a reporter and presenter. During her time on the current affairs show, she made a series of acclaimed documentaries, many of which focused on social issues, giving a voice to those on the margins in Irish society.
Her work on Prime Time and Prime Time Investigates would lead to three IFTA awards, a National Media award, a Radharc award and a Justice Media award.
In recent years, Shanley presented Morning Edition, The Consumer Show, Crimecall and The Irish Book Awards on RTÉ One in addition to working as a radio presenter across programmes such as Morning Ireland, News at One, Today with Sean O’Rourke and Late Debate.
In 2018, she took up her role as the new presenter of RTÉ Six One News.
Shanley is survived by her husband Conor and their children Lucy and Ben.
“Keelin was the best of us – and we are heartbroken,” said Jon Williams, Managing Director of RTÉ News & Current Affairs.
“From Prime Time Investigates to Morning Edition, Morning Ireland to the Six One News, there wasn’t a corner of RTÉ News & Current Affairs untouched by Keelin’s fearless, generous, and passionate journalism.
“For Keelin, the story was never about her – always about others. Her legacy of over 20 years of journalism with RTÉ saw her help tell the stories of so many often marginalised. She strove to inform, probe and encourage. Always inquisitive, interested, thoughtful and kind.
“The fact that she presented our flagship Six One News while dealing with cancer is inspirational in itself and so typical of Keelin’s determination to live life to the full. Our hearts go out to Conor, Lucy and Ben and her wider family. We are all poorer for her loss.”
RTÉ Director-General Dee Forbes also paid tribute to Shanley following her passing:
“Everybody at RTÉ is deeply saddened by the passing of our colleague and friend Keelin Shanley. A passionate and dedicated public service journalist, Keelin had an expertise that challenged and probed as well as an ease that endeared her to all.
“Most recently, Keelin co-presented the Six One News, watched by huge audiences daily. Keelin was incredibly popular with all her colleagues.
“But our loss is nothing compared to that of her much-loved family. My sincere sympathies go to Conor, Lucy, and Ben, to Keelin’s extended family, and to her wide circle of friends.”
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