A true loss.
The Late Late Show will include a tribute to Marian Finucane tonight in addition to its regular lineup.
The veteran RTÉ broadcaster and journalist passed away suddenly in her home yesterday.
Tonight’s tribute will include a segment detailing Finucane’s immeasurably contribution to Irish society and culture, as well as a series of interviews with her friends and contemporaries.
*Update on tonight's Late Late Show *
Due to the sudden passing of Marian Finucane, tonight's #LateLate will now feature a segment paying tribute to Marian & her contribution to Irish broadcasting & Irish society, with interviews with a number of her contemporaries and friends. pic.twitter.com/qAFq9QZRMM
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) January 3, 2020
Finucane’s passing was announced by RTÉ yesterday evening, who said that they were sharing the news with “profound shock and sadness.”
“Marian was a broadcaster of immense capability; a household name, she was first and foremost a tenacious journalist with a zeal for breaking new ground,” said RTÉ Director General Dee Forbes.
“From Women Today to Liveline to her weekday radio show on Radio 1 and, latterly, her enormously popular Saturday and Sunday radio programme, she tackled the big social issues of the day with command and insight.
“Multi-skilled, she forged a distinguished career on television, as well as undertaking significant charity work in Africa. Ireland has lost a unique voice. RTÉ has lost a beloved colleague. My sincere and heartfelt sympathies to her husband John and son Jack.”
We are very saddened by the loss of our great friend and colleague Marian Finucane.
Marian was a defining voice for RTÉ Radio 1 and for the nation. She will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/GcMJNRaApl— RTÉ Radio 1 (@RTERadio1) January 2, 2020
Finucane began her career with RTÉ in 1974 as a continuity announcer, later becoming a programme presenter.
She began hosting her own show, Women Today, in 1979, later going on to become the first presenter of Liveline.
President Michael D Higgins paid tribute to Finucane yesterday, stating: “Ireland has lost a deeply respected, trusted and much-loved broadcaster.”
“It is with the greatest sadness that I have learned of the passing of broadcaster Marian Finucane,” he said.
“A superb professional, many will remember the wisdom and sensitivity with which Marian Finucane dealt with discussions and confrontations between different voices on what were controversial issues of the day.
“There will be many, in every part of Irish life, who will miss Marian’s voice, but of course her loss is felt most acutely by her family and friends.”
The Late Late Show airs tonight on RTÉ One at 9.35pm.
