Book of condolences opens for RTÉ’s Keelin
A BOOK of condolences for broadcaster Keelin Shanley was yesterday opened in the RTÉ studios.
Fellow RTÉ news and current affairs host Miriam O’Callaghan was among the first to sign the book over the weekend.
She was joined by Claire Byrne who said she would miss her ‘7pm chats in the wardrobe department’ with Ms Shanley.
Broadcasters and journalists have continued to pay their respects to Ms Shanley who died, aged 51, on Saturday following a nine-year battle with breast cancer. Yesterday, RTÉ Director General Dee Forbes said everybody at the broadcasting house was ‘deeply saddened’.
‘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,’ Ms Forbes said. ‘Keelin was incredibly popular with all her colleagues.’
Ms Shanley’s Six One News cohost Caitríona Perry said it was a ‘tremendous privilege’ to have been Ms Shanley’s co-anchor and friend. ‘She was a superstar – an exceptional journalist, a generous colleague and just so much fun,’ Ms Perry said. ‘My heart is broken but my thoughts are with her beloved family.’
Morning Ireland presenter Rachael English also said Ms Shanley will be ‘missed so much’.
‘The saddest of news. Keelin was a wonderful journalist but she was also a fantastic, generous, funny colleague,’ Ms English said.
‘She’ll be missed so much. Sympathies to her family and friends. May she rest in peace.’
Politicians, including Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin, also paid tribute to the award-winning broadcaster, who is survived by her husband Conor Ferguson and their two children Lucy and Ben.
An RTÉ spokeswoman yesterday said no funeral arrangements had yet been confirmed.