LAST UPDATE | 22 Jan 2022

THE AUTHOR AND award-winning journalist Colm Keane has died aged 70.

He died from cancer in Waterford, it has been confirmed.

Keane was born in Youghal in Cork, and is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin and Georgetown University, Washington DC.

He was the author of 29 books and wrote extensively on near-death experiences, as well as books on St Brigid and St Padre Pio.

A book about St Thérèse of Lisieux, which was co-written with his wife, former RTÉ newsreader Una O’Hagan, also reached number one in the non-fiction charts.

During his 26 years with RTÉ, he produced and presented documentaries on a wide range of subject such as music, sport, politics and history.

Keane is survived by his wife and is predeceased by their son Sean, who died in 2007.

Tributes have been flooding in for the author and broadcaster today.

RTÉ’s Des Cahill said: “Most of us will remember him as a great broadcaster and a lovely man… I will remember him most as an incredible father to his late son, Sean. Deepest, deepest sympathy to Una and Colm’s extended family and friends.”

RIP Colm Keane. Most of us will remember him as a great broadcaster and a lovely man… I will remember him most as an incredible father to his late son, Sean. Deepest, deepest sympathy to Una and Colm’s extended family and friends. pic.twitter.com/BWq4lvZguZ

— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) January 22, 2022

Former colleague John Creedon also expressed his condolences, saying he will fondly remember their “early-morning chats about Bray Wanderers, music, Youghal, the Irish Saints and any subject you care to mention”.

So sorry to learn of the death of our colleague Colm Keane. I'll always fondly remember his enthusiasm & our early-morning chats about Bray Wanderers, music, Youghal, the Irish Saints and any subject you care to mention. Deepest condolences to Una and all of those closest to him.

— john creedon (@johncreedon) January 22, 2022