Gerry Kelly (1948 – 2026)

Their Story

Gerry Kelly was a beloved Northern Irish broadcaster whose career spanned over four decades and touched the lives of generations across the island. Best known for hosting the iconic UTV talk and variety show Kelly, which ran for 17 years from 1989 to 2005 and became a Friday night must-watch, he demonstrated an exceptional gift for drawing out his guests with genuine warmth and curiosity. His interview subjects ranged from world-famous entertainers and sports stars—including George Best, Alex Higgins, and Garth Brooks—to a young Rory McIlroy, in one of his most memorable moments. A former teacher and journalist, Kelly brought professionalism and humanity to every programme he presented. Beyond the Kelly Show, his broadcasting work included numerous other UTV series and, from 2009 to 2019, regular shows on BBC Radio Ulster. His distinguished career earned him a Sony Gold Award in 1993 for his coverage following the Shankill Road bombing and induction into the Royal Television Society Hall of Fame in 1998. Even in his later years, Kelly remained active in broadcasting and mentoring, returning to television with new projects and working with student broadcasters. He was remembered as a true gentleman whose natural talent and distinctive presenting style made interviewing look effortless.

Sources

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerry_Kelly_(broadcaster)