Funeral of RTÉ broadcaster Tommie Gorman to take place in Sligo on Saturday

Mr Gorman died peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday at the age of 68.

He will lie in repose at Seán Feehily’s Funeral Home in Cartron Cross from 4pm to 7pm.

His funeral mass will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Ransboro at 2pm. A burial will follow in Kilmacowen Cemetery.

A Sligo native, the veteran broadcaster held a number of positions during a career with RTÉ spanning more than 40 years. He was Europe editor before moving to Belfast in 2001 to become RTÉ’s Northern editor, a position he served in until his retirement in 2021.

In a statement, his family said he died “peacefully” as they paid tribute to “a cherished husband, father, brother, and friend”.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Tommie, who left us peacefully on 25th of June 2024 surrounded by his family,” said the statement.

“Tommie was a cherished husband, father, brother, and friend whose innate kindness and generosity of spirit touched the lives of all who knew him.

“His memory will forever remain in our hearts, and his spirit will continue to guide and inspire us every day. Tommie is survived by his loving wife Ceara, children Joe and Moya, sister Mary and brother Michael, who will deeply miss his kindness, wisdom, humour, and presence.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”

Born in 1956, Gorman was a native of Sligo. He was educated in Summerhill College and at the College of Journalism, Rathmines, Dublin.

President Michael D Higgins said Gorman will be remembered as one of the “outstanding public service broadcasters of his generation”.

“Over more than 40 years reporting for RTÉ, he was a widely trusted and deeply insightful commentator on the north-west, Brussels and, perhaps most notably, Northern Ireland, where his incisive and well-informed commentary brought news of critical developments for 20 years,” he said.

“Throughout that time, Tommie was respected by all sides of the political spectrum and was a trusted source of information for the public during challenging years, the fostering of peace, and all that was achieved in Anglo-Irish relations over that time.

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“A naturally empathetic person, Tommie’s courageous and generous work with cancer survivors leaves a very significant legacy which I hope will bring comfort to his family and all those who knew him. In speaking and writing about his own experiences, he brought a greater public awareness and understanding of the conditions and the treatments available for them.

“As anyone who ever met Tommie will know, he was a tireless champion of Sligo, and reflecting his lifelong love of soccer, of Sligo Rovers. Whether talking about the Bit o’ Red or Tottenham Hotspur, Tommie always knew every minute detail of the clubs and their fortunes.

“In a career renowned for being the first on the spot with key developments, Tommie will of course always be remembered for his interview with Roy Keane following his departure from Saipan and going to Greece to interview Seamus Heaney following the announcement that he was to receive the Nobel Prize.

“May I express my deepest condolence to Tommie’s wife Ceara, to his children Moya and Joe, and to all his family, colleagues and many friends.”

Taoiseach Simon Harris told the Dáil that Gorman made an “incredible contribution not just to broadcasting, but indeed to peace on this island”.