Gerry Kelly, the veteran Northern Ireland broadcaster known for his work with UTV and BBC Radio Ulster, has died aged 77. He was widely described as a “much-loved” figure in journalism.
Among his many high-profile interviews, Kelly once spoke with an eight-year-old Rory McIlroy, who was chipping golf balls into a washing machine at the time. In 2018, he revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer two years earlier.
Tributes
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly expressed her condolences, calling Kelly “a much loved presenter with a huge character”. She recalled his famous clip with a young Rory McIlroy and the washing machine, and offered thoughts to his family and friends.
Broadcaster William Crawley said: “I’m sorry to hear that Gerry Kelly has died. He had a rare gift for drawing out a guest with deep curiosity and genuine warmth; he made interviews feel like real conversations. He inspired, encouraged and mentored other broadcasters too. A big star who was always a gentleman.”
