Former RTÉ Radio 1 presenter David Hanly, who presented on Morning Ireland, has passed away. He was 82.
Born in Limerick, Mr Hanly was one of the original presenters of Morning Ireland alongside David Davin-Power and stayed with the show for two decades.
As well as presenting on Morning Ireland, Mr Hanly was an accomplished writer and journalist, having presented Hanly’s People and written novels and scripts for serial dramas.
Former RTÉ Radio 1 presenter David Hanly, who presented on Morning Ireland, has passed away. He was 82. Pic: Áine Lawlor/X
He initially joined RTÉ as a journalist in 1963 before departing in 1970. During his sojourn, he was a publicity officer for Bord Fáilte and a freelance writer, before re-joining the station in 1981. He became one of the original presenters of Morning Ireland alongside David Davin-Power when the show began in 1984.
Winning a Jacob’s Award in 1985, he was replaced on Morning Ireland in 1986, before presenting Hanly’s People, where some of his more noticeable interviews included with Senator David Norris, and Meath GAA manager Seán Boylan.
He was also an accomplished writer, writing for RTÉ’s radio drama The Kennedys of Castleross and The Riordans. He also wrote a novel, In Guilt and In Glory, in 1979, as well as a column in the Sunday Tribune.
Mr Hanly was one of the original presenters on Morning Ireland in 1984. Pic: Collins
In 1995, after winning the Nobel Prize for Literature, Mr Hanly managed to grab the first interview with Séamus Heaney.
Mr Hanly’s family confirmed on Friday that he died that morning, in hospital in Dublin.
He is survived by his two sons and a daughter.
I am deeply saddened to have learned today of the passing of David Hanly, the broadcaster and writer.
For many, including myself, David was the voice we woke up to every weekday as the presenter of RTÉ’s Morning Ireland for some two decades.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. pic.twitter.com/1tB1GjmOqZ
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) November 21, 2025
Tanaiste Simon Harris led tributes to Mr Hanly, writing: ‘I am deeply saddened to have learned today of the passing of David Hanly, the broadcaster and writer.
‘A native of Limerick, David became a household name through RTE’s Morning Ireland but he was also a distinguished author, columnist and scriptwriter and enjoyed a rich and varied career in journalism and public relations.’
The Fine Gael leader added: ‘For many, including myself, David was the voice we woke up to as the presenter of RTE’s Morning Ireland for two decades.
‘His unambiguous stentorian tone etched him and by extension the programme itself into the public psyche.
‘I extend my deepest sympathies to his family at this time.’
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he has ‘fond memories’ of interviews with Mr Hanly on Morning Ireland.
He said: ‘He was sharp, highly intelligent and always had a sense of perspective.
‘He put Moring Ireland on the map. His voice was unmistakable. My thoughts are with his family, friends and former colleagues at this time.’
