Death of leading Irish broadcaster is announced

RTÉ has announced the death of the widely popular and respected broadcaster, Marian Finucane.

Aged 69, she was one of RTÉ Radio One's longest serving and most esteemed presenters, the news of her passing coming as an immense shock to her loyal fans nationwide this evening. 

The Marian Finucane Show on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. enjoyed huge listnership figures over many years due to her outstanding interviewing skills.

Deepest sympathy is tendered to her family and colleagues on their loss.

In a tribute RTÉ Director General Dee Forbes said: "We learned today of the sudden passing of Marian Finucane 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.

"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. RTÉ has lost a beloved colleague. My sincere and heartfelt sympathies to her husband John and son Jack."

Chair of RTÉ, Moya Doherty, stated: "It is with the deepest shock and sadness that I heard the news of Marian Finucane.

"Marian was a pioneer in women's broadcasting and was rightly renowned for her fearless yet human interview technique. Many who work in broadcasting today, male and female, owe her a great debt.

"RTÉ has lost another great champion and another great talent, but we are the richer for having known and heard her work."