'His legacy will be remembered with great pride': Former pupils at Co Down school of Dermot Murnaghan pay tribute to late broadcaster

Although his career was based in England, the distinguished journalist was raised in Northern Ireland with his teen years spent at Sullivan Upper School in Holywood.

In the wake of his passing from cancer at the age of 68, the Sullivan Alumni Association remembered a man they described as “one of the most recognisable and respected faces in British television”.

In a statement, the association said: “Throughout his career, he presented and reported for some of the UK’s leading news organisations, earning admiration for his professionalism, integrity and commitment to journalism.

“Dermot remained a valued friend of Sullivan throughout the years and we were honoured to welcome him back to the school as our guest speaker at prize say, where he inspired students with his experiences and achievements.

“On behalf of the Sullivan Alumni Association, we extend our sincere condolences to Dermot’s family, friends and former colleagues at this difficult time. His legacy will be remembered with great pride by the Sullivan community.”

Area councillor Gillian McCollum described him as “one of the great legends of broadcast journalism”, adding: “In his final year, Dermot became a powerful advocate for prostate cancer awareness, using his platform to encourage more men to get tested – a legacy that will no doubt save lives.”

The veteran broadcaster died “peacefully” on Saturday “following a period of illness with prostate cancer”, his family said in a statement.

Murnaghan was best known for his 15-year tenure as a lead anchor on Sky News, and also presented news bulletins for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 during his career.

Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy paid tribute to his “good friend” Murnaghan on Instagram, saying the pair met through their mutual love of cycling.

The sportsman added that their friendship “galvanised” through mutual stage four prostate cancer. Sir Chris revealed his condition in 2023, while Murnaghan was diagnosed in 2025.

Sir Chris wrote: “He was an immensely skilled broadcaster, a kind and gracious man and someone who has been a big part of this current chapter of my life.

“I can’t believe he’s gone, just like that.

“This is a cruel disease and one Dermot campaigned tirelessly to raise funds and awareness for.”

TV presenter and journalist Louise Minchin shared a photo of herself alongside Murnaghan and Sir Chris, during the cyclists’ Tour De 4 fundraiser.

The broadcaster, 57, wrote: “Dermot Murnaghan was a first class journalist and a charming man.”

Minchin added that she “loved” working with Murnaghan on BBC Breakfast – which he hosted from 2002 to 2007 – and said it was a “joy” to complete Sir Chris’ challenge together.

Andy Burnham, who is expected to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader and prime minister, said he was “so sad”, adding: “Dermot was an exceptional broadcaster and a truly decent person. I always enjoyed being in his company.”

Susanna Reid, who presents ITV’s Good Morning Britain, shared a selfie of herself with Murnaghan on Instagram as she remembered the “legendary news journalist and presenter”, who she called a “sheer pleasure” to work with.

Sky’s royal commentator Alastair Bruce wrote on X that working with Murnaghan was “an experience that brought affirmation and assurance”.

BBC Radio 4 Today programme presenter Nick Robinson praised Murnaghan as “someone you instinctively trusted – clever, warm and witty”, while journalist Liam Halligan remembered him as “a brilliant broadcaster”.

Radio DJ Liz Kershaw also paid tribute on X and urged her followers to get their prostate checked to “honour his memory”.

Murnaghan announced his diagnosis last year and became a vocal advocate and campaigner in raising awareness for the disease.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast last November, he urged men in high-risk groups to get themselves checked for prostate cancer, as he admitted he delayed getting tested “because I felt fine”.

Charities including Prostate Cancer Research said they were “profoundly grateful” for the support Murnaghan gave their work, and praised his “remarkable honesty and courage” in raising awareness.

Prostate Cancer UK said it is “heartbroken” by his death, remembering Murnaghan as a “passionate and dedicated supporter of our charity” whose advocacy had “a huge impact” on those with the condition.

In a statement published to his X account on Saturday, his family said the broadcaster “died peacefully with his family at his side” that morning.

They statement continued: “The family wish to thank the medical teams who cared for Dermot with such sensitivity and extraordinary compassion throughout his illness.

“Also, for the many, many kind messages of goodwill that he received over the last year since his diagnosis of stage four prostate cancer and his subsequent campaigning to raise awareness for screening programmes for the disease.”

“In accordance with his wishes, the funeral will be a small family ceremony.

“The family request that anyone wishing to remember him considers supporting Prostate Cancer UK, Prostate Cancer Research and North London Hospice so that others may benefit from the research and care he received.”