Northern Ireland

Ireland has lost a 'unique voice' following the death of broadcaster Marian Finucane

Broadcaster Marian Finucane has died at the age of 69. RTE/PA Wire
Broadcaster Marian Finucane has died at the age of 69. RTE/PA Wire Broadcaster Marian Finucane has died at the age of 69. RTE/PA Wire

Ireland has lost a "broadcasting legend" following the death of Marian Finucane.

Tributes were paid to the 69-year-old who died suddenly at her home in Dublin yesterday.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: "I am stunned and deeply saddened to hear of the death of Marian Finucane. She was a true broadcasting legend who reshaped current affairs radio in Ireland.

"Ireland will miss her voice. Weekend mornings will never be quite the same again. I spent many hours in the studio with Marian. She was thorough, courteous and professional. I’m very sad to think that we won’t hear her voice again on the radio."

Ms Finucane started her career with RTE in the 1970s after having originally qualified as an architect.

She started in RTE on Women Today but became a household name through her Liveline programme on RTE radio and then took over the early morning slot with The Marin Finucane Show following the retirement of Gay Byrne in 1999. Mr Byrne died last August.

In 2005 her RTE Radio 1 show moved to a Saturday and Sunday morning.

Marian Finucane with her friend Nuala O'Faolain, who died in 2008, pictured in 1985 covering the United Nations Decade for Women Conference
Marian Finucane with her friend Nuala O'Faolain, who died in 2008, pictured in 1985 covering the United Nations Decade for Women Conference Marian Finucane with her friend Nuala O'Faolain, who died in 2008, pictured in 1985 covering the United Nations Decade for Women Conference

President Michael D Higgins described her as "one of the very early exemplars to those who sought a proper representation of women in broadcasting."

"With her death, Ireland has lost a deeply respected, trusted and much loved broadcaster," said President Higgins.

"A superb professional, many will remember the wisdom and sensitivity with which Marian Finucane dealt with discussions and confrontations between different voices on what were controversial issues of the day.

"There will be many, in every part of Irish life, who will miss Marian’s voice, but of course her loss is felt most acutely by her family and friends.

"To her husband John, her son Jack and to all the members of her extended family and wide circle of friends and colleagues Sabina and I express our deepest sympathies.”

RTE director general Dee Forbes said staff at the Irish state broadcaster learned of Ms Finucane's passing with "profound shock and sadness".

"Marian was a broadcaster of immense capability; a household name, she was first and foremost a tenacious journalist with a zeal for breaking new ground," she said.

"From Women Today to Liveline to her weekday radio show on Radio 1 and, latterly, her enormously popular Saturday and Sunday radio programme, she tackled the big social issues of the day with command and insight.

"Multi-skilled, she forged a distinguished career on television, as well as undertaking significant charity work in Africa.

"Ireland has lost a unique voice. RTE has lost a beloved colleague."

Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald added: "Her contribution to Irish journalism and broadcasting has been immense, and she has occupied a special place in the hearts of many radio listeners over the years."

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