This afternoon.
Before her passing in February, award-winning journalist and broadcaster Keelin Shanley was writing a memoir, ‘A Light That Never Goes Out’ (above) which will be published in October.
Ellen Monnelly at Gill Books writes:
‘In the introduction to the book, Keelin writes of her thoughts as she came to terms with her diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer, aged just 51:
“I realised that I am still Keelin Shanley: I still am that person, in spite of everything. In spite of the wig, the scarves, the IV lines, the tests, mum, wife, news presenter, daughter, sister, stepdaughter – I am all of those things. And that’s why I decided to write this book: to remind me of who I am, and to leave those who love me something to hold on to.”
The title of the book is a play on the song, ‘There is a Light That Never Goes Out’ by The Smiths, one of her favourite bands when she first met her husband, filmmaker Conor Ferguson.
Conor, who completed the last chapter of the book after Keelin passed away, said,
‘Keelin lived such an extraordinary life, she has left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. Keelin wasn’t prone to nostalgia, she was upfront and a “doer” from the very beginning. She always grabbed life by the reins and, as a result, didn’t have many regrets.
Though we miss her every day and remember her in every moment, we hope that her remarkable story will inspire people to live life to the full and put the best foot forward, no matter what obstacles life presents.”
A Light That Never Goes Out will be published by Gill Books on October 2 at €19.99.
Keelin Shanley’s posthumous memoir to be published this October by Gill Books (Gill Books)
Very sad, she always seemed like a good egg.
+1
and above all else, a mother
+1 from me too
+1
Title isn’t a play on the song, it’s a straight lift from the original title.
Morrissey should sue.
Doubt Morrissey ever wants to see the inside of a courtroom again….
Tacky troll.
No, that’s not the title of the song, it is ‘There Is a Light That Never Goes Out’.
Rest In Peace Keelin.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3r-qDvD3F3c
I am not big into biographies, auto or not, but this is a lady I have had the pleasure of meeting more than once.
I look forward to reading this. And to taking another chance to wish both her husband and children my deepest condolences. If she could touch individuals with a short meeting this much, how much more must she have touched those she loved?
Nicely put Slightly :)
A truly beautiful lady – and a fine man is Conor. I look forward to picking this one up. Once again, deepest condolences to the family, this was a very sad loss indeed. I can’t imagine how difficult it was to finish the book of a loved one.
A great person and very talented. Sadly missed.