‘An absolute legend’: Irish celebrities pay tribute to the late Marian Finucane

Marian Finucane, the veteran RTÉ broadcaster and journalist, died suddenly in her home on Thursday, January 2. Irish celebrities and politicians have been paying tribute to her memory

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Women’s rights advocate and RTÉ broadcaster Marian Finucane died suddenly in her home on Thursday. The news of her passing came as a shock to people all over Ireland, with celebrities and politicians paying tribute to the late 69-year-old on Twitter.

Marian had a long and varied career; first studying architecture in Bolton Street before joining RTÉ as a continuity announcer in 1974. She became a presenter two years later, and then went on to become the first host of Ireland’s most famous radio talk show, Liveline.

Role model

President Michael D Higgins said, “With her death, Ireland has lost a deeply respected, trusted and much-loved broadcaster.” He added that “many will remember the wisdom and sensitivity with which Marian Finucane dealt with discussions and confrontations between different voices on what were controversial issues of the day.”

One of her biggest legacies, as the president pointed out, is that she was a role model to those who sought a proper representation of women in broadcasting.

Other well-known names paying tribute to Marian include comedian Dara Ó Briain, presenter Laura Whitmore and footballer Paul McGrath.

‘A wonderful lady’

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

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

I am stunned and deeply saddened to hear of the death of Marian Finucane. She was a true broadcasting legend who reshaped current affairs radio. Ireland will miss her voice. Weekend mornings will never be quite the same again.

— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) January 2, 2020

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

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 was a first in so many roles for women, she fought many battles, courageously lent her voice to changes, hard fought, that paved the way for a better future for Irish women. No stranger to grief, she held my hand during a difficult time #RIPMarian https://t.co/AeCLJhKBlO

— Norah Casey (@NorahCasey) 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

Absolutely shook to read this. A broadcasting legend. Rest in peace Marian https://twitter.com/rte/status/1212798750525145088

— Doireann Garrihy (@DoireannGarrihy) 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 smart. Love to your family at this time.”

— Laura Whitmore (@thewhitmore) January 2, 2020

I heard the sad news that Marian Finucane @RTERadio1 died as I was driving home from town. Marian was fabulous. She interviewed me a few months ago on her show. It was my first interview after my book was released. She was lovely. This news is a terrible start to the New Year. https://twitter.com/rtenews/status/1212798500976709632

— Rory Cowan (@1rorycowan) January 2, 2020

I find this so hard to believe?
She was an absolute legend
A powerhouse who broke every mould…& she was also v good to broadcasters like me who came up behind her.
Like Gaybo shes irreplaceable #Marian

— Ciara Kelly (@ciarakellydoc) January 2, 2020

So shocked and sad to hear this news… she paved the way for so many female broadcasters in particular. RIP Marian Finucane. A Powerhouse https://twitter.com/ciarakellydoc/status/1212799392106864640

— Deirdre O’Kane (@DeirdreOKane1) January 2, 2020

Stunned and saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Marian Finucane. Can’t quite believe it.

— Maïa Dunphy (@MaiaDunphy) January 2, 2020

Photo: RTÉ