Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
FORMER RTÉ BROADCASTER, writer and well-known Morning Ireland presenter David Hanly has died at the age of 82.
Hanly, who became one of the most recognisable voices in Irish broadcasting, died in a Dublin hospital this morning, his family confirmed.
Born in Fairgreen, Limerick in 1944, Hanly began his career with RTÉ in the 1960s before moving into public relations and later returning to journalism.
Hanly was part of the very first presenting team on Morning Ireland, co-anchoring the programme from its launch on 4 November 1984.
His interviewing style helped establish the show as RTÉ Radio 1’s flagship current affairs programme.
He was honoured with a Jacob’s Award (the first Irish television and radio awards) in 1985 for his work.
He also fronted the RTÉ television series Hanly’s People, conducting in-depth interviews with leading writers, poets and public figures, and later presented a radio programme celebrating poets and poetry.
Alongside broadcasting, Hanly wrote scripts for the RTÉ serial dramas The Kennedys of Castleross and The Riordans, and published his debut novel In Guilt and In Glory in 1979.
He also contributed a regular column to the Sunday Tribune.
Hanly quietly stepped back from RTÉ and retired in 2002 due to his ill health, according to reports at the time.
President Catherine Connolly led tributes today, describing Hanly as “a broadcaster of great distinction”.
“I recall his work on Hanly’s People where he brought his trademark intelligence, integrity and warmth to his many interviews,” she said.
“As a gifted writer also, working for the RTÉ radio series The Kennedy’s of Castleross and the TV series The Riordans, David’s contribution to Irish public service broadcasting and the arts over many decades has left an indelible mark.”
She extended her deepest sympathies to his family, his many friends and colleagues, “and to all those who admired his wonderful work”.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin recalled Hanly as “sharp, highly intelligent, and always with a sense of perspective”.
He put Morning Ireland on the map. His voice was unmistakable.
“My thoughts are with his family, friends and former colleagues at this time,” Martin said.
Tánaiste Simon Harris also paid tribute, in a statement this afternoon.
“For many, including myself, David was the voice we woke up to every weekday as the presenter of RTÉ’s Morning Ireland for some two decades,” Harris said.
“As one of the show’s first presenters, his unambiguous and commanding voice etched him into the public psyche.”
Deirdre McCarthy, managing director of RTÉ News & Current Affairs, said Hanly made “a huge contribution to RTÉ News and journalism in Ireland”.
“His voice was synonymous with Morning Ireland for many years as one of the original presenters on the programme when it launched over four decades ago,” McCarthy said.
“His distinctive interviewing style contributed to the programme establishing itself as the most listened to radio programme in Ireland.
“There have been great memories of his time in the newsroom being shared today as we think of his family and many former colleagues following the sad news.”
Hanly is survived by his three children.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say