Keelin Shanley’s life: loving marriage to her husband Conor Ferguson, children Lucy and Ben, and the battle with cancer



[ad_1]

Keelin Shanley was one of RTÉ’s most familiar faces during her time on the news and current affairs team.

Her stellar television career began when she joined Prime Time, RTÉ’s current affairs television show in 1999, where she worked as a reporter and presenter.

His rise to fame came when he worked on a series of acclaimed documentaries that took over the nation, many of which focused on social issues and gave a voice to people on the fringes of Irish society.

In particular, Keelin’s Prime Time Investigates programs were noteworthy as they delved into health inequality, cocaine abuse, homelessness, human trafficking, deportations, and adolescent delinquency, among other topics. .

As a result of her incredible work, Keelin won three IFTA Awards, a National Media Award, a Radharc Award, and a Justice Media Award.

Keelin was well known to viewers at home for her roles in Morning Edition, The Consumer Show, Crimecall, and The Irish Book Awards on RTÉ One.

Over the years, she also worked as a radio host on various shows on RTÉ Radio 1: Morning Ireland; News in one; Today with Sean O’Rourke; and late debate.

Early life

Keelin grew up in Monkstown, Co. Dublin. After graduating from Trinity College with a degree in biochemistry, Keelin worked as a researcher in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Bologna.

Keelin then returned to Ireland and began working with RTÉ, presenting a science and technology series in the late 1990s.

Sad death

A statement from RTÉ announced that Keelin had died in February of this year.

He had been dealing with cancer for some time before his sad death.

RTÉ Director General Dee Forbes said: “Everyone at RTÉ is deeply saddened by the passing of our colleague and friend Keelin Shanley. Keelin, a passionate and dedicated public service journalist, had a challenging and investigative experience, as well as a knack that made her loved by all.

“Most recently, Keelin co-hosted Six One News, watched by a large audience on a daily basis. Keelin was incredibly popular with all of his colleagues. But our loss is nothing compared to that of his loving family. My condolences to Conor, Lucy and Ben, Keelin’s extended family and wide circle of friends. “

Years

Keelin was 51 years old before he died.

Swipe down to see the full gallery of images of Keelin, Conor, and their children throughout the years.

Husband Conor Ferguson

Keelin was married to Conor Ferguson and they have two children together, Lucy and Ben.

How Keelin and Conor Met

“I’ve known Conor since he was 14. He was one of the Grafton Street Goths and I thought he looked pretty fantastic with this spiky hair,” she told the RTE Guide.

“Of course, I hadn’t dated him since he was 14, that happened after I came back from Italy, but we went back a lot.”

Breeding

“Motherhood changes your life so fundamentally. It gives you a completely different perspective on things, that life has a higher purpose, not to sound too holy than you do. I am also lucky because my father is fantastic with children, “he told RTÉ Guide in an interview.

“He lives around the corner, within walking distance. It’s nice because sometimes, before picking up the kids from school, we take a walk along the Dún Laoghaire pier to catch up.”

“I am very close to my father.

“I asked him for advice and he has a healthy head. He remarried a couple of years ago when his wife, our mother, died when she was very young.”

Battle against cancer

Keelin was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 and continued working until her sad death.

Speaking of her diagnosis, she explained: “I always remember that a nurse told me very clearly when they diagnosed me that I would have a bad year but you will get over it and everything will be left behind.

“She couldn’t have said a truer word. But I’m lucky because I am and there are many others who weren’t so lucky.”

“I think we now see cancer for what it is these days; it is a disease that is treatable for most people.”



[ad_2]