Tributes are paid to RTE broadcaster as “formidable interviewer”

Former editor of religious programmes at RTÉ, Brian Farrell has died.

The former editor of religious programmes at RTÉ has paid tribute to broadcaster, author and academic Brian Farrell, who died this week at the age of 85.

Fr Dermod McCarthy hailed Mr Farrell, who presented numerous political programmes on RTÉ, as “a courteous, decent colleague”.

He said Mr Farrell’s broad knowledge of ecclesiastical matters was evident during the television coverage of Archbishop Cahal Daly’s return to Ireland as Cardinal in 1991.

“His comments covered not only the political impact of this honour but also what implications, if any, it might have for the status of faith among Irish Catholics.

“He was well read in the history of the Irish Church and wondered if this appointment would bring any change to the place of the Church in Irish life or in its relations with the Holy See,” he said.

“In his current affairs programmes, he was a formidable interviewer, especially if his guest had something to hide,” he added. “But at all times he was fair and balanced.”