RTE News anchor Caitriona Perry has said her former co-anchor Keelin Shanley was "a fearless journalist and inspiring woman" in a touching news report this evening.
Caitriona who hosted the RTE Six One News with Shanley described her as a "role model" and said she was "trusted by viewers right from the start."
The broadcaster tragically passed away aged 51 after a brave battle with cancer.
The award winning journalist
In the moving report Keelin's many achievements as an accomplished journalist were highlighted including her stints on TV shows like Morning Edition and Crime Call.
Caitriona added that while Keelin could turn her hand to any topic she was cared most about "exposing injustice and highlighting social inequality".
In 2018 it was announced that Keelin and Caitriona would be taking over as anchors for the Six One news, the first time two women held the reigns on the flagship programme.
RTE's Arts and Media correspondent Sinead Crowley said the news organisation "lost a key member of the team' saying Keelin was an "exceptional colleague."
She also told of how Keelin was always "encouraging" to younger journalists that she worked with.
RTE General Director Dee Forbes described Keelin as "a passionate and dedicated public service journalist".
Meanwhile RTE managing Director Jon Williams posted on Twitter: "With heaviest of hearts, just announced that our friend Keelin Shanley died today.
"She fought cancer with same equanimity & good humour brought to everything else.
"Our hearts are breaking for Conor, Lucy & Ben. Keelin was the best of us.
"When Keelin’s cancer first diagnosed in 2011, she worked through chemo & treatment.
"When it returned, she did so again - defying pain to present Six One.
"Determined to live life to the full, until no longer possible to do so.
"This how I’ll remember Keelin.
"Her smile could light up any room.
"Not a corner on RTE News untouched by Keelin’s fearless, generous & passionate journalism. For Keelin Shanley, story never about her - always about others."
Dubliner Keelin grew up in Monkstown, and underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy within weeks of getting the grim news at St Vincent's Hospital in February 2011.
