Broadcaster and novelist Deirdre Purcell dies at 77

Culture
13 Feb 23

RTÉ Radio 1's broadcaster and author Deirdre Purcell passed away this morning.

Irish broadcaster and author Deirdre Purcell passed away at her home in Mornington, Co Meath this morning.

Well-known for her work on RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland as the presenter for What It Says in the Papers, Purcell was the first woman appointed as a staff newsreader on RTÉ's Nine News. Her catchphrase from the segment, "So what's next?" became iconic.

Some of her literary accolades include the Benson & Hedges and Cross awards for journalism, in addition to writing bestselling novels. She wrote over 20 popular titles, like the recent Pearl and The Winter Gathering.

Her work Falling for a Dancer was even turned into a hit BBC series starring Colin Farrell, back in 1998.

Colin Farrell - Falling for a Dancer (1998)

Purcell was originally an actress for Abbey Theatre, the National Theatre of Ireland.

With the announcement, condolences came pouring in remembering the "force of nature" Purcell's family so fondly described her as.

RTÉ sportscaster Des Cahill shared one such tribute on Twitter.

"RIP Deirdre Purcell - dreadfully sad news. An absolute gem of a woman. Brilliant writer & broadcaster. We always had great fun when she was on @morningireland- intially chatting about how exhausted we were, and then I'd fill her in on the gossip of the day! Rest easy."

RIP Deirdre Purcell -dreadfully sad news. An absolute gem of a woman. Brilliant writer & broadcaster. We always had great fun when she was on ⁦⁦@morningireland⁩ -initially chatting about how exhausted we were, and then I’d fill her in on the gossip of the day! Rest easy. pic.twitter.com/02w8TFWmSW

— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) February 13, 2023

President Higgins released his own statement about the renowned author's death, remembering her "warm and creative presence" fondly.

“Sabina and I have learnt with sadness of the passing of Deirdre Purcell, whose life’s work extended across the wide spectrum of the arts and broadcasting."

"In a distinguished career, Deirdre left a singular contribution in all of the different aspects of literature and broadcasting to which she turned her many talents – from her work as an actress in the Abbey Theatre, through her award-winning print journalism and time as the first female anchor of RTÉ’s Nine O’Clock news, and on to her critically acclaimed creative work in fiction."

"I particularly recall one afternoon where Deirdre interviewed Brendan Kennelly and myself for the Sunday Tribune, the attention to detail which she gave to such interviews was indicative of the skill with which she went about her work and has been often remarked upon by her many admirers."

Her family, including her husband Kevin Healy and her two sons Adrian and Simon Wreckler, released a statement about her death.

"To the day before her death Deirdre was as full of plans, schemes and dreams as she always was. Deirdre made friends wherever she went and will be remembered by so many as a vibrant, clever and caring companion."

In their final remarks, the statement reminisced about "the talent, vivacity and sharp mind" that she carried within her throughout her life.

"We will miss her desperately".