Sadness as RTÉ Six One News presenter passes away

RTÉ has confirmed the death of its broadcaster Keelin Shanley following an illness.

The presenter passed away peacefully this afternoon, aged 51, after a battle with cancer.

In January 2018 she took over the reins of Six One News on RTÉ television alongside Caitriona Perry. The pair became the first female duo to anchor the show.

Ms Shanley was an award-winning journalist who spent most of her career with RTÉ, working on television programmes including Prime Time and winning many awards, including three IFTAs.

RTÉ Director-General Dee Forbes said in a statement: “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.”