A HUGELY respected and much-loved Limerick broadcaster and author, David Hanly, had passed away aged 82.
Born in Limerick in 1943, a native of Fairgreen, Mr Hanly was a co-presenter of RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland from its launch in 1984 until his retirement in 2002.
He won a Jacob’s Award in 1985 and his television show Hanly’s People featured in-depth interviews with notables such as Seán Boylan and David Norris. In 1995, he secured the first interview with Seamus Heaney after he won the Nobel Prize for Literature.
As a writer, Mr Hanly wrote for serial dramas The Kennedys of Castleross and The Riordans. His novel In Guilt and in Glory, a story of Ireland at the time, was first published in 1979.
In 2001, Mr Hanly campaigned for the establishment of an arts centre on Arthur’s Quay in Limerick City.
His brother Mick is a singer-songwriter known for ‘Past the Point of Rescue‘, later recorded by Mary Black. The brothers sometimes performed together.
David’s passing was commented on by both the President Catherine Connolly and An Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
“Mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, I join with all those who have expressed their sadness on learning of the death of renowned broadcaster David Hanly,” President Connolly said.
“As one of the founding voices of Morning Ireland, co-presenting with the late David Davin-Power, David Hanly was 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.
“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.
“May I extend my deepest sympathies to his family, to his many friends and colleagues, and to all those who admired his wonderful work. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was saddened to learn of Mr Hanly’s passing.
“I have fond memories of interviews with him on Morning Ireland. He was sharp, highly intelligent, and always had a sense of perspective. He put Morning Ireland on the map. His voice was unmistakable,” the Taoiseach said.
“My thoughts are with his family, friends, and former colleagues at this time”.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said: “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.”
“As one of the show’s first presenters, his unambiguous and commanding voice etched him into the public psyche.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to his family, friends, former colleagues and all those close to him at this time.”
Mr Hanly was married twice and is survived by his two sons and a daughter.