Tributes pour in for Keelin Shanley, who has died aged 51

RTÉ broadcaster Keelin Shanley died Saturday afternoon, following a battle with breast cancer.

She had most recently been anchor of the Six One News on RTÉ One. Shanley spent the majority of her career with RTÉ working on television programmes including Prime Time and winning many awards, including three IFTAs.

Jon Williams, Managing Director of RTÉ News & Current Affairs, paid tribute to Shanley via Twitter, saying "there was not a corner of RTÉ News untouched by Keelin’s fearless, generous, and passionate journalism. For Keelin, the story was never about her - always about others."

This how I’ll remember Keelin. Her smile could light up any room. Not a corner @rtenews untouched by Keelin’s fearless, generous & passionate journalism. For #KeelinShanley, story never about her - always about others. pic.twitter.com/IwfwAvTSA3

— Jon Williams (@WilliamsJon) February 8, 2020

Thank you for many kind words about #KeelinShanley. Hope knowing impact she made, source of comfort & pride for family. Tonight candles burn on her desk @rtenews. But Keelin would be first to say show goes on. We will make her proud. pic.twitter.com/FqQgZy97Ke

— Jon Williams (@WilliamsJon) February 8, 2020

Former co-anchor Caitriona Perry also paid tribute to Shanley on air Sunday evening, describing her as a "role model, a fearless journalist and inspiring woman." The two hosted Six One News together for two years, the first time two women had ever done so on the programme.

Newstalk FM host Sean Moncrieff shared an anecdote.

Absolutely stunned to hear of the death of Keelin Shanley. A great broadcaster and a lovely woman. She & I were alone in an office when I got the news of another child on the way. We called her Keelin xx

— SeanMoncrieff (@SeanMoncrieff) February 8, 2020

Simon Coveny called her a talented and honest media star, liked and respected by everyone.

So sad to hear of the passing of Keelin Shanley. She was such a talented, honest media star, but more importantly a really decent person, liked & respected by everyone. RTÉ will be much the poorer without her. My condolences to her family and friends. RIP. https://t.co/a4dnCO7o8w

— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) February 8, 2020

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald expressed her condolences.

Saddened to hear of the death of Keelin Shanley. A journalist of great integrity and talent. On behalf of Sinn Féin I wish to extend my condolences to Keelin’s family - to Conor, Lucy and Ben, and to Keelin’s friends and colleagues at RTÉ.

— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) February 8, 2020

Ronan O Gara paid tribute to her "news that would rock you so hard."

News that would rock you so hard. Keelin Shanley has passed away. So sad. A classy lady.
RIP.May we look after her family.

— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) February 8, 2020

Katie Hannon remembered Shanley's talent as well as her friendly demeanor.

Keelin Shanley was hugely talented and had an extraordinary work ethic. She was also the best kind of friend - kind and generous and supportive and courageous. And just so smart and self-deprecating and funny. It was a privilege to know her. https://t.co/MJiHkdlZSp

— Katie Hannon (@KatieGHannon) February 8, 2020

Gavan Reilly praised her excellence and generosity.

Really sorry to hear of the passing of Keelin Shanley. An excellent broadcaster but always a kind and generous broadcaster to younger peers. Comhbhrón ó chroí to her family, friends and colleagues at @rte.

— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) February 8, 2020

Leo Varadkar called her warm, engaging and courteous.

Incredibly sad news about Keelin Shanley. As well as being a very talented journalist, she was a really lovely person. Always warm, engaging and courteous. A huge loss. Our thoughts are with Keelin’s family and friends, and all of her colleagues in RTE.

— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) February 8, 2020