The ‘much-loved’ Northern Ireland journalist broadcaster Gerry Kelly has died at the age of 77.
The former Ulster Television (UTV) and BBC Radio Ulster presenter conducted many high-profile interviews, including with an eight-year-old Rory McIlroy as the young golfer chipped balls into a washing machine.
Gerry’s family confirmed that he passed away surrounded by loved ones at his home on Sunday morning.
In 2018, Kelly revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer two years earlier but the tumour was successfully removed following surgery and chemotherapy.
Among those to pay tribute to Gerry following his death was Northern Ireland’s deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
She wrote on X: ‘So sorry to hear of the death of Gerry Kelly, a face and a voice that so many generations across Northern Ireland were familiar with.
The ‘much-loved’ Northern Ireland journalist broadcaster Gerry Kelly has died at the age of 77 (pictured in the BBC Northern Ireland documentary Links To The Past: Pioneers Of Ulster)
The former Ulster Television (UTV) and BBC Radio Ulster presenter conducted many high-profile interviews (pictured with boxers Mike Tyson and Barry McGuigan in 1998)
‘A much loved presenter with a huge character. He interviewed so many, many hundreds of people across decades including his famous clip with a young Rory McIlroy and the wash machine!
She added: ‘Thinking of all his family and friends at this time of mourning, sending my deepest condolences and may God be with them and comfort them at this time of sad loss.’
Northern Irish journalist Anne Hailes revealed: ‘Sad news. Gerry Kelly passed away this morning at home with his wife Helena and his daughters Sara and Claire.
‘He had been ill for some time. Big man who will leave big memories, RIP.’
‘I’m sorry to hear that Gerry Kelly has died’, broadcaster William Crawley said.
‘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.’
Gerry was born in Ballymena in Co Antrim and moved to Down in his youth, where he lived until adulthood.
He began presenting his talk show Kelly in 1989, and continued to do so until 2005
After leaving UTV in 2008, Gerry joined BBC Radio Ulster and in 2024 a new TV talk show Conversations with Gerry aired on NVTV (pictured in 2025)
He launched a career in journalism after starting out as a lecturer at St. Mary’s College in Belfast.
Gerry began reporting on the GAA for UTV, and later took over as the presenter of Good Evening Ulster on the station.
He began presenting his talk show Kelly on the station in 1989, and continued to do so until 2005.
After leaving UTV in 2008, Gerry joined BBC Radio Ulster and in 2024 a new TV talk show Conversations with Gerry aired on NVTV.
