Much-loved’ Northern Ireland journalist broadcaster Gerry Kelly dies aged 77

The former 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.

In 2018, Kelly revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer two years earlier.

“Gerry Kelly was one of Northern Ireland’s best known and much-loved broadcasters,” UTV head of news and programmes Simon Clemison said.

“His UTV chat show Kelly ran for 17 years and became a ‘must-watch’ on Friday nights, featuring some of the biggest names in entertainment.

“Gerry Kelly was back on UTV just a couple of years ago fronting The Kelly Years, a series reflecting on the hundreds of stars from the world of film, television, music and sport who had come through our studio doors.

“We send our sincere condolences to Gerry’s wife, family and friends.”

“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,” deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said.

She said he was “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.”

“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.”