Catriona Perry has opened up about the heartbreaking loss of her friend Keelin Shanley, revealing she’s still struggling to come to terms with it.
The RTE broadcaster, who was diagnosed with cancer, died in February of this year at the young age of 51.
Catriona and Keelin worked together for a number of years, and formed a great bond during that time.
Speaking to the RTE Guide she said, “As anyone who has lost a close friend will know, it’s difficult.
“We spent so much of our workday together; we saw more of each other than we would have seen of our families.
“I miss her every single day. We were amazing friends, not just colleagues. I can’t believe it’s six months and I’m told these things get easier with time but it hasn’t yet, it’s just awful without her.”
At the time of her passing, Catriona described Keelin as “a role model, a fearless journalist and inspiring woman” who was “trusted by viewers right from the start”.
She went on to say; “Her family were the centre of her world and our thoughts are with them at this time. She was a phenomenal mother, a great journalist and my lovely friend who will be so missed.”
Before her passing, Keelin began writing a memoir, A Light That Never Goes Out, which is set to be released this October.
In the introduction of the book, Keelin writes, “I realised that I am still Keelin Shanley: I still am that person, in spite of everything.
“In spite of the wig, the scarves, the IV lines, the tests, mum, wife, news presenter, daughter, sister, stepdaughter – I am all of those things. And that’s why I decided to write this book: to remind me of who I am, and to leave those who love me something to hold on to.”
Her husband Conor Ferguson who finished the last chapter of the book after Keelin passed away, said, “Keelin lived such an extraordinary life, she has left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.
“Keelin wasn’t prone to nostalgia, she was upfront and a ‘doer’ from the very beginning. She always grabbed life by the reins and, as a result, didn’t have many regrets.
“Though we miss her every day and remember her in every moment, we hope that her remarkable story will inspire people to live life to the full and put the best foot forward, no matter what obstacles life presents”.