Gerry Kelly: Family publishes funeral details for popular ex-UTV broadcaster
Funeral details have been published for popular broadcaster and former UTV presenter Gerry Kelly.
A family notice published today said that he died on Sunday 26 July 2026 peacefully at his late residence in Ardglass.
The notice described him as the dearly beloved husband of Helena, loving father of Sarah and Claire, dear father-in-law of William, cherished grandfather to Bronwyn, Tadhg and Rory.
It also said he was the much loved brother of Stella, Danny and the late Patricia and Kathleen and a loving brother in law to the Fleming family, and an uncle and friend.
His funeral will take place from his late residence on Wednesday 29 July 2026 at 12.30pm for 1.00pm Requiem Mass in St Nicholas’ Church, Ardglass.
Interment will be afterwards in the adjoining Calvary Cemetery.
Donations in lieu of flowers to N.I Hospice c/o www.seamusfitzsimons.co.uk/donations.
The family requested that their home remains private to family and close friends.
The Press Association reported that 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 was one of Northern Ireland’s best known and much-loved broadcasters,” UTV head of news and programmes Simon Clemison said.
“His UTV chat show Kelly ran for 17 years and became a ‘must-watch’ on Friday nights, featuring some of the biggest names in entertainment.
“Gerry Kelly was back on UTV just a couple of years ago fronting The Kelly Years, a series reflecting on the hundreds of stars from the world of film, television, music and sport who had come through our studio doors.
“We send our sincere condolences to Gerry’s wife, family and friends.”
“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!
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.”