Shock as RTE host Keelin dies of cancer at 51
President praises dedication of award-winning journalist
TRIBUTES poured in last night for RTE presenter and awardwinning journalist Keelin Shanley after her death following a long battle with cancer.
The mother of two was the presenter of RTE’S Six One News.
The 51-year-old, from Monkstown in Co Dublin, had previously fought breast cancer and underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy after being diagnosed with the disease in 2011.
At the time the former Prime Time presenter said she was happy it hadn’t spread.
Her mother died of ovarian cancer a year after she was diagnosed at the age of 59.
Keelin’s passing comes just weeks after the tragic deaths of fellow RTE stalwarts Gay Byrne, Marian Finucane and Larry Gogan. One of her last posts on Twitter paid homage to her “hero” Marian following her death.
She said: “So sad and shocked to hear of Marian Finucane’s death. She was a hero to me, the most skilful interviewer, with endless curiosity and wicked humour. RIP.”
President Michael D Higgins led tributes after receiving yesterday’s news.
He added: “People all over Ireland will have been greatly saddened by the news of the death of Keelin Shanley, broadcaster and award-winning journalist.
“Driven by a strong commitment to social justice, she brought great professionalism and dedication to her work as a journalist.
“Sabina and I send our deepest condolences to her husband Conor, their children Lucy and Ben, her wider family and wide circle of friends.”
RTE news anchor Orla O’donnell was among those who paid her respects.
She said: “The saddest news. Puts everything in perspective. RIP Keelin.” Women’s Aid Ireland posted: “Extremely saddened by this news today. Sending our deepest condolences to Keelin’s family and friends.” Fellow cancer survivor Vicky Phelan said the illness had taken a great person. She added: “I am so saddened to hear on @rtenews that Keelin Shanley, one of @rte’s own has passed away. Cancer has taken another brilliant woman. “I met Keelin last year on the Six One @rtenews. We instantly struck up a friendship based on our experience of living with Stage 4 cancer. “We shared information on clinical trials and I was delighted when she started on a new drug. Unfortunately, with this illness time is all you can buy. I have no doubt she spent her time with her husband Conor and two children. My sincerest condolences to her family and friends.”
Managing director of RTE News and Current Affairs Jon Williams also paid tribute to Keelin.
He said: “There was not a corner of RTE News and 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’ journalism with RTE saw her help tell the stories of so many often marginalised.
“She strove to inform, probe and encourage. Always inquisitive, interested, thoughtful and kind.”
RTE director-general Dee Forbes said there was a lot of sorrow at Donnybrook.
She added: “Everybody at RTE 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.”
I am so saddened.. cancer has taken a brilliant woman VICKY PHELAN YESTERDAY