Keelin Shanley memoir to be published in October

Gill Books has announced the October 2 publication of A Light That Never Goes Out, a Keelin Shanley memoir, which the RTÉ star worked on prior to her death on February 8, 2020 from cancer.

"Keelin got in touch with me in December last year," reveals Gill Commissioning Editor, Deirdre Nolan. "She was nearing the end and strongly felt she wanted to leave a record of her life behind and we were honoured to help her do so. We put her together with writer Alison Walsh and she helped Keelin write a most extraordinary memoir. It is so rare to have such an insight into what someone who is facing death is thinking and feeling, and despite the gravity of the situation she was facing, through her writing Keelin has managed to capture the fleeting beauty of life in way that is awe-inspiring and ultimately up-lifting."

The title is borrowed from 'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out', The Smiths song which was a favourite of hers when she met future husband Conor Ferguson who pens the poignant final chapter.

‘Keelin lived such an extraordinary life, she has left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten," Conor says. "Keelin wasn’t prone to nostalgia, she was upfront and a 'doer' from the very beginning. She always grabbed life by the reins and, as a result, didn’t have many regrets. Though we miss her every day and remember her in every moment, we hope that her remarkable story will inspire people to live life to the full and put the best foot forward, no matter what obstacles life presents.'"

A natural broadcaster and lovely person, Keelin worked on a wide range of RTÉ radio and TV shows including Prime Time, Six One News, Morning Ireland, Crimecall and Morning Edition.