News

Funeral in Belfast for veteran Irish News and BBC journalist Seamus Kelters

Journalist Seamus Kelters, who passed away on Wednesday. Picture courtesy of BBC.
Journalist Seamus Kelters, who passed away on Wednesday. Picture courtesy of BBC. Journalist Seamus Kelters, who passed away on Wednesday. Picture courtesy of BBC.
By Andrew Madden

JOURNALISTS, politicians and broadcasters have gathered in Belfast to bid farewell to renowned BBC journalist Seamus Kelters.

Mr Kelters, 54, died last week in hospital while undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

The veteran journalist was one of the authors of the seminal book Lost Lives, which chronicles each of the more than 3000 victims of the Troubles.

Among the mourners at St Michael The Archangel Church on Finaghy Road North on Saturday were Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams and the BBC journalist-turned-nun Martina Purdy.

Also in attendance were UTV newsreader Paul Clark, comedian Tim McGarry and several of Mr Kelter’s BBC colleagues, including Talkback host William Crawley.

The funeral was held at St Michael The Archangel Church on Finaghy Road North. Picture by Arthur Allison, Pacemaker Press
The funeral was held at St Michael The Archangel Church on Finaghy Road North. Picture by Arthur Allison, Pacemaker Press The funeral was held at St Michael The Archangel Church on Finaghy Road North. Picture by Arthur Allison, Pacemaker Press

Mr Kelters had written his own eulogy for the funeral while undergoing cancer treatment, which was delivered by his two sons.

Following Saturday's Requiem Mass, Mr Kelters' remains were brought to Milltown Cemetery for burial.

Originally from west Belfast, Mr Kelters began his career at The Irish News, before joining the BBC.

Mr Kelters is survived by his wife Camilla and two sons, Brendan and Michael.

Former Political correspondent for BBC Martina Purdy and Tom Hartley pictured at Seamus Kelters funeral in Belfast..Picture by Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.
Former Political correspondent for BBC Martina Purdy and Tom Hartley pictured at Seamus Kelters funeral in Belfast..Picture by Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press. Former Political correspondent for BBC Martina Purdy and Tom Hartley pictured at Seamus Kelters funeral in Belfast..Picture by Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.
Tim McGarry pictured at Seamus Kelters funeral in Belfast..Picture by Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.
Tim McGarry pictured at Seamus Kelters funeral in Belfast..Picture by Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press. Tim McGarry pictured at Seamus Kelters funeral in Belfast..Picture by Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.
The Funeral of respected journalist Seamus Kelters took place at St Michaels on Finaghy Road North in Belfast. .Picture by Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.
The Funeral of respected journalist Seamus Kelters took place at St Michaels on Finaghy Road North in Belfast. .Picture by Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press. The Funeral of respected journalist Seamus Kelters took place at St Michaels on Finaghy Road North in Belfast. .Picture by Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.