Northern Irish television and radio presenter Gerry Kelly has died at the age of 77. The Ballymena-born broadcaster passed away at his home this morning.
Kelly was best known for hosting the popular weekly UTV talk and variety show Kelly, which ran from 1989 until 2005. The programme became a Friday-night institution in Northern Ireland, featuring a wide range of guests from entertainment, sport and public life. One of his most fondly remembered interviews was with a young Rory McIlroy, then aged eight, who demonstrated his golf skills by chipping balls into a washing machine.
Before and alongside his television work, Kelly presented on BBC Radio Ulster and earlier stations, building a reputation as a warm, curious and engaging interviewer. Colleagues praised his ability to put guests at ease and draw out genuine conversation.
In 2018 he publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer two years earlier. Tributes poured in following news of his death. Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly described him as “a much-loved presenter with a huge character” whose face and voice were familiar to generations across the region. Broadcaster William Crawley remembered him as a gentleman with a rare gift for real conversation who also mentored younger talent.
Kelly is survived by his family. His contribution to Northern Irish broadcasting leaves a lasting legacy.
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