Veteran broadcaster and author Fergal Keane has announced that he is retiring from RTE after three decades.
The 62-year-old was born in London but grew up in Dublin and Cork, attending three primary schools in Dublin which included Terenure College. He first joined RTE following some time as a journalist with the Limerick Leader and then The Irish Press, and he is best known for his war reporting coverage of the genocide in Rwanda in the 1990s.
Keane announced the sad news that he is leaving RTE on Twitter yesterday. He wrote: "After nearly three decades reporting for RTE Radio I have decided to leave RTE to pursue other interests. It’s been an honour to tell people’s stories."
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Keane added: "That includes being a part time farmer, part time sailor and part time content provider and writer for hire. A bit early for me but the draw of other adventures is strong.
"After nearly 40 years in journalism reporting from all over the world I can say we only exist because people talk to us in the face of intolerance and intimidation." The veteran journalist added that he will deeply miss hosting his RTE Radio 1 programme Seascapes, which brings listeners around the coastline of Ireland and discusses different types of boats and yachts.
The OBE awardee, which is given to individuals for their order of chivalry in arts and sciences, joined the BBC in 1989, quickly rising through the ranks to become their Southern African Correspondent. For four years between 1990 to 1994 he covered the township unrest in South Africa post-apartheid and then the Rwandan Genocide, after which he penned a 'Season of Blood: A Rwandan Journey.'
Keane won an Amnesty International Press Award in 1993 and another for TV in 1994 for his investigation into the genocide as well as receiving the James Cameron Prize for war reporting. In 2020, the BBC announced that Keane was suffering with PTSD.
He told the Irish Times last year that he suffered from nightmares and flashback from what he witnessed in Rwanda and Sudan. Keane said that he is now looking forward to new ventures in his home in west Cork.
Many of his RTE and BBC colleagues have wished him well since this Thursday's announcement. Morning Ireland presenter Rachel English said: "The best of luck Fergal. You'll be missed."
RTE sports presenter Jacqui Hurley commented: "Best of luck Fergal, you’ve had some adventures! Here’s to the next one!"
A second person said: "Seascapes won't be the same without you Fergal! Wishing you every success with the next chapter…"
Writer Paul Howard added: "So sorry to hear you'll be disappearing from the airwaves. One of the best in the business. My work experience as a kid in the Irish Press wouldn't have been the same without you!"
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