Funeral details announced for RTE broadcaster Keelin Shanley, who died 'peacefully, in the last sunshine before the storm'

The funeral details have been announced for late RTE broadcaster Keelin Shanley, who will be laid to rest after a church ceremony on Wednesday.

In news that sparked a wave of tributes from within the media organisation and members of the public, the mum-of-two (51) sadly passed away on Saturday following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Published this afternoon, a notice on rip.ie stated that the death has occurred of Caoilfhionn (Keelin) Shanley-Ferguson.

It said that she died peacefully “in the last sunshine before the storm.”

The notice describes her as the adored wife of Conor Ferguson and devoted mother to children Lucy and Ben and how she fought a “courageous battle with cancer.”

Tribute was also paid to leading Oncologist Dr Janice Walshe and her “amazing team” at St Vincent’s private University hospital as well as the “fantastic people at Blackrock Hospice.”

It goes on to state how she was pre-deceased by her beloved mother Orna Shanley and will be hugely missed by her father Derry, stepmother June, her three sisters and brother Eoin alongside with her many relatives and friends.

“Many thanks to RTE News & Current affairs and the whole RTE family for their support and kindness,” it adds.

Her body is currently reposing at her family home and there will be a “celebration” of her life at St Paul’s Church in Glenageary before cremation at Mount Jerome.

Members of the public are asked not to send flowers but if they wish, can make a donation to Arc Cancer Support.

An award-winning journalist, Keelin had most recently been anchor of the Six One News on RTÉ One.

A native of Dublin, she studied biochemistry at Trinity College, working for a while as a researcher before changing her focus to journalism.

She began her news career working for Radio France International and CNN World Report before going on to join the national broadcaster.

She worked on a string of flagship news programmes including Prime Time, Crimecall and Morning Edition, winning three IFAT’s for her efforts.

A pioneer of social justice issues, she covered a number of stories in developing countries like Liberia and Uganda.

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.

Special tribute was paid to the late broadcaster over the weekend during a number of live election-based programmes as the sad news of her passing cast a pall of grief over the RTE newsroom.