With the news that Marian Finucane has passed away aged 69, friends and fans alike are paying tribute to the beloved broadcasting legend.
Fans took to social media to express their sadness at her passing and to reminisce about her long-standing career in Irish entertainment.
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
It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Marian Finucane. “Ireland has lost a unique voice,” says Director-General Dee Forbes. “A pioneer in broadcasting,” says Moya Doherty. https://t.co/vxpYZ1zwSb
— RTÉ (@rte) 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… https://t.co/kjPDSTAIh4
— 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://t.co/5BDgnLUP93
— Rory Cowan (@1rorycowan) 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
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://t.co/1kAHKQXhtb
— Deirdre O’Kane (@DeirdreOKane1) January 2, 2020
In the mid 1990s I was involved in a wages/better conditions dispute in a factory. The entire strategy was how to get this aired on #liveline.
We knew if Marian Finucane listened no one would ignore us anymore. She did, and our wages were doubled. Thanks for listening Marian.
— Dr Elaine Byrne (@ElaineByrne) January 2, 2020
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
Irish families all over the world will touch base about this news – the best of tributes. Marian Finucane was a broadcasting pioneer, relatable, tough, with an infectious laugh. I loved joining her shows. #RIPhttps://t.co/W6qd59YxpM
— Pól Ó Conghaile (@poloconghaile) January 2, 2020
So sorry and shocked to hear of the sudden death of Marian Finucane. She paved the way for so many female broadcasters, and her amazing career was testament to her talent. My thoughts are with her family this evening.
— Sarah McInerney (@SarahAMcInerney) 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
“With her death, Ireland has lost a deeply respected, trusted and much loved broadcaster.”
Full text of the statement by President Higgins on the death of Marian Finucane: https://t.co/gQGhfVZHyH
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) January 2, 2020
So sad and shocked to hear of Marian Finucane’s death. She was a hero to me, the most skillful interviewer, with endless curiosity and wicked humour. RIP
— Keelin Shanley (@KeelinShanley) 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’m really saddened by the news about #MarianFinucane, she was a brilliant broadcaster, full of mischief and intelligence, but most tellingly, she was a kind, kind person. V sad. https://t.co/xhS1xo4u8f
— David McWilliams (@davidmcw) January 2, 2020