The death has been announced of the Ballymena-born broadcaster Gerry Kelly. He was 77.
The BBC reports that he died at his home this morning.
Gerry Kelly was best known for his weekly UTV talk show, which aired from 1989 until 2005.
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 has been remembered as “a much-loved presenter with a huge character”
“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!”
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. A much loved presenter with a huge character. He interviewed so many, many hundreds of people across decades including his famous clip with a… pic.twitter.com/uXKLEwHqwd
— Emma Little-Pengelly BL (@little_pengelly) July 26, 2026
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.”
Source: Press Association