Marian Finucane facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marian Finucane
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| Born | 21 May 1950 Dublin, Ireland
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| Died | 2 January 2020 (aged 69) Naas, County Kildare, Ireland
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| Nationality | Irish |
| Education | Scoil Chaitríona, Mobhí Road, Dublin |
| Alma mater | Dublin College of Technology |
| Occupation | Broadcaster |
| Employer | RTÉ |
| Spouse(s) |
John Clarke
(m. 2015) |
| Children | 2 |
Marian Finucane (21 May 1950 – 2 January 2020) was a very well-known Irish broadcaster. She worked for RTÉ, Ireland's national TV and radio station. Marian started her career in 1974. She became famous for hosting popular radio shows. These included Women Today, Liveline, and The Marian Finucane Show. She was a familiar voice to many people across Ireland.
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Marian's Broadcasting Career
Marian Finucane was born in Dublin, Ireland. She went to school at Scoil Chaitríona in Glasnevin. Later, she studied architecture at the Dublin College of Technology.
In 1974, Marian joined RTÉ. She started as a continuity announcer. This meant she introduced programmes and told listeners what was coming next. By 1976, she became a programme presenter. She focused on important social topics. Many of these topics were about women's issues.
Groundbreaking Radio Shows
One of her first big shows was Women Today. This radio programme started in 1979. It was special because it was the first Irish radio show about women's affairs. It was also presented and produced by women. For her work on Women Today, Marian received a Jacobs' Award. This was a special prize for broadcasting.
Later, Marian became the first presenter of Liveline. This was a very popular radio show. It combined interviews with phone calls from listeners. People could call in and share their opinions. She hosted Liveline from 1985 until 1999.
Moving to Weekend Shows
Marian also worked on television. She presented shows like Consumer Choice. This show gave advice to shoppers. She also hosted Crimeline. This programme looked into police investigations.
In 1999, Marian took over a big radio slot. She started presenting The Marian Finucane Show on weekday mornings. Another famous broadcaster, Joe Duffy, then took over Liveline.
In 2005, Marian changed her radio schedule. She moved to presenting The Marian Finucane Show on Saturday and Sunday mornings. This became her well-known weekend slot.
Charity Work and Recognition
In June 2005, Marian received an honorary degree. This was from NUI Galway. This award recognised her important work in media. It also honoured her charity efforts. Marian and her partner, John Clarke, helped raise money. They helped build an AIDS hospice and orphanage in Cape Town, South Africa.
Marian's Life and Family
Marian grew up in Glasnevin, a part of Dublin. Her father, Daniel Finucane, was a police sergeant. Her mother, Maura Finucane, was a teacher. Marian's father passed away when she was 12 years old.
Marian had two children with her partner, John Clarke. Sadly, their daughter developed leukaemia. She passed away in 1990 when she was eight years old. Marian and John Clarke later married in January 2015.
Her Passing
Marian Finucane passed away unexpectedly on 2 January 2020. She was 69 years old. She died in her sleep from pneumonia at her home in Naas, County Kildare. Her funeral took place a few days later, on 7 January 2020.
In October 2022, a sculpture was put up in her honour. It is outside the RTÉ Radio Centre in Dublin. This sculpture remembers her important contribution to Irish broadcasting.
