The radio presenter announced the sad family news on her daily walking vlog on Instagram and has been inundated with thousands of kind messages from well-wishers
10:41, 11 Feb 2026Updated 14:09, 11 Feb 2026
Ciara Kelly on her daily walk(Image: Instagram/Ciara Kelly)
Newstalk presenter Ciara Kelly says she is “devastated” following the passing of her sister Dara.
The radio host took to social media to share the sad news while completing her annual 100 days of walking challenge. Ciara became visibly upset as she told her followers the news and remembered her “lovely big sister”.
She said: “Day 40 of 100 days of walking, not the best day. My lovely big sister Dara passed away this morning, and, well, we’re all a bit devastated to be honest.
“It was after a shortish, but fairly ferocious battle with cancer and yeah, it hasn’t been a great few days, but she’s at peace now and I think we’re all glad of that.
“Myself and all of the rest of our family are just a bit shocked, but anyway, a dark aul day. I wouldn’t be making a video if it wasn’t for the 100 days of walking and I probably wouldn’t be taking a walk either but anyway…keep her lit.”
Ciara was inundated with support and condolences from her friends in the industry. Anna Daly said: “Ciara I’m so sorry to hear this. My deepest condolences to you and all your family.”
“Ciara, I’m so so sorry for your loss,” added Paul Ryder. Miriam O’Callaghan wrote: “So terribly sorry to hear that your sister Dara has left this world – so very sad. I hope you’re okay Ciara. Losing a sister or brother is such a profound loss. Dara will now mind you all forever from Heaven. Codladh sámh Dara”.
And Carl Mullan said: “Oh Ciara I am so so sorry for your loss, thinking of you all, look after yourself.”
Ciara, who recently made the move from breakfast to drivetime on Newstalk, thanked everyone for their kind words.
“Firstly can I just say thank you to the thousands of people who have messaged me, it’s overwhelming,” she said on Instagram.
“It is unbelievable kindness and decency and I really do appreciate it, especially because I’m getting lovely messages from past pupils and colleagues of my sister who are just saying such nice things.
“But also giving me genuine glimpses into parts of her life that I wouldn’t have known about. It has lifted me. I sincerely feel lucky and grateful that people have been so kind.”
Dara’s death notice on RIP.ie says she passed “peacefully, surrounded by her family in the exceptional care of all the staff in Wicklow Hospice Magheramore.
“Remembered with love by her family, husband Ger, children Fiachra and Aoife, brother Declan, sister Ciara, mother-in-law Anne Murray, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours, work colleagues, pupils past and present, and wide circle of friends.”
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