Irish broadcaster Marian Finucane passed away at the age of 69 yesterday.
The first presenter of 'Liveline' and 'The Marian Finucane Show' on RTÉ Radio 1, Finucane first became a programme presenter with RTÉ in the 1970s.
She was a major advocate for women's rights and presented radio programme 'Women Today' to highlight social issues concerning women.
She presented 'Liveline' from 1985 to 1999 and 'The Marian Finucane Show' for nearly two decades. She also worked on such television programmes as 'Consumer Choice' and 'Crime Line'.
Over the years she received numerous commendations for her work including the Prix Italia for a documentary on abortion; the Radio Journalist of the Year Award in 1988; and a PPI Radio Award for outstanding achievement in broadcasting in 2008.
She also received an honorary degree from NUI Galway which recognised her media work and her work raising funds alongside former spouse John Clarke to build of an AIDS hospice and orphanage in Cape Town.
Marian Finucane died unexpectedly at her home in Naas, County Kildare. It is believed she died in her sleep.
Since the news broke, tributes have poured in from across Ireland and the UK from media professionals, colleagues and friends.
Many have shared clips from their favourite moments across her career.
I spent many hours in the studio with Marian. She was thorough, courteous and professional. I’m very sad to think that we won’t hear her voice again on the radio. The deepest sympathies of the Irish Government to her family, friends and colleagues.
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) January 2, 2020
The lesser known Marian Finucane. The architect, activist and proud Dublin woman: RTÉ Archives | Arts and Culture | Marian Finucane as a Student Protester https://t.co/BP9AIx7WGa
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) January 2, 2020
"With her death, Ireland has lost a deeply respected, trusted and much loved broadcaster."
Full text of the statement by President Higgins on the death of Marian Finucane: https://t.co/gQGhfVZHyH— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) January 2, 2020
I am deeply saddened by the death of Marian Finucane .She was the voice of reason on the national airwaves for 40 years. Fair, welcoming ,reassuring , trusting and trusted , charming yet inquisitive she was a unique broadcaster. RIP
— JOE DUFFY (@joeliveline) January 2, 2020
Marian Finucane had some outstanding gifts as a broadcaster, notably a profound empathy and a sense of what mattered to her listeners. #Marian
— Vincent Browne (@vincentbrowne) January 2, 2020
RIP Marian Finucane - you paved the way for so many women in journalism and broadcast. I was so honoured to have been interviewed by you on your radio show and you’ll always be a role model. Professional, warm and so… https://t.co/kjPDSTAIh4
— Laura Whitmore ⚡️ (@thewhitmore) January 2, 2020
Marian Finucane. One of the few I’d listen to and not think they were speaking out of both sides of their mouth. Never eager to please nor pandering nor plugging, gave praise when it was due, took no shit, gave not a shit, great at it. Pure fanboy. RIP pic.twitter.com/9CWl4cYp4O
— Ray Foley (@rayfoleyshow) January 2, 2020
I'm really saddened by the news about #MarianFinucane, she was a brilliant broadcaster, full of mischief and intelligence, but most tellingly, she was a kind, kind person. V sad. https://t.co/xhS1xo4u8f
— David McWilliams (@davidmcw) January 2, 2020
Shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Marian Finucane. She was an iconic broadcaster, ahead of her time on so many issues. She will be terribly missed by her family, her colleagues and her many fans across the country. She was a powerful voice in all our lives. RIP.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) January 2, 2020
So sad to hear of the passing of Marian Finucane, Marian always treated me with patience and kindness throughout interviews over the years.
What a wonderful lady, my thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time. R.I.P 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/UUb5nNnW7J— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) January 2, 2020
Ah, that’s very sad about the death of Marian Finucane. A lovely woman and a brilliant broadcaster, it was always a pleasure to do an interview with her; just the easy intelligence of her. She will be missed.
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) January 2, 2020
A gem from RTÉ archive. A 1980 RTÉ Authority report said ‘Marian Finucane will never present #TheLateLate’. That week Gay Byrne gave the chair to #Marian on live TV. Two titans of broadcasting gone. Marian was a true trailblazer in Irish life. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís pic.twitter.com/Y4cfYfNlOo
— Darren Cleary (@RadioCleary) January 2, 2020
I’ve always loved this archive footage of Marian Finucane, interviewed aged 19 in 1970. #RIP pic.twitter.com/vdcgHSwy0t
— Hugo Mills (@HugoMills) January 2, 2020
We are very saddened by the loss of our great friend and colleague Marian Finucane.
Marian was a defining voice for RTÉ Radio 1 and for the nation. She will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/GcMJNRaApl— RTÉ Radio 1 (@RTERadio1) January 2, 2020
So difficult to believe Marian is gone. Colleagues and friends since 1979. A shining talent, a great listener, a fearless questioner, a good friend. RIP. Good Night, sister. #MarianFinucane pic.twitter.com/tRWKAuukX5
— Clare Duignan (@clare_duignan) January 2, 2020
Shocked to hear Marian Finucane died. Grew up with her voice at the weekends. I like to think of the 19-year-old architecture student occupying a building on Stephen’s Green “it is our responsibility to ensure that this building isn’t demolished”. RIP https://t.co/RXM6C6PU3J pic.twitter.com/MLbiCcbYym
— Emma Gilleece (@Gilleeece) January 2, 2020
Sad news in on the death of #Marian Finucane. She was an incredible interviewer. A truly brilliant woman. Always ahead of her years in women’s rights and topics on feminism
We have lost a national treasure
Broadcasting in Ireland won’t be the same 😞 Ar dheis dé go raibh anam pic.twitter.com/XsI1WmTVED— María Quintero (@MariaDCQuintero) January 2, 2020
My heart is broken.
Tears have just flowed since I first heard the news.
Marian Finucane,
Thank you for giving me a chance.
For inspiring me.
For listening to me.
For talking to me.
For being a woman I will, and will forever look up too.
Thank you. For Everything 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/JUDtAuZFER— Dr. Jennifer Cassidy (@OxfordDiplomat) January 2, 2020
.@SineadCrowley looks back at the remarkable career of RTÉ broadcaster Marian Finucane | https://t.co/QoqA8a02W6 pic.twitter.com/7PnIKP3cwY
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) January 2, 2020
