Taoiseach Micheal Martin leads tributes to Henry Kelly

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has lead tributes to the late broadcaster and journalist Henry Kelly.

In a post on X, Martin wrote: "Very saddened to learn of the passing of Henry Kelly.

"From his time as Northern Editor of the Irish Times to presenting BBC shows including Going for Gold, Henry made a huge contribution to journalism & broadcasting here & in the UK.

Very saddened to learn of the passing of Henry Kelly

From his time as Northern Editor of the Irish Times to presenting BBC shows including Going for Gold, Henry made a huge contribution to journalism & broadcasting here & in the UK

My thoughts are with his family at this time

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) February 26, 2025

"My thoughts are with his family at this time."

Downton Abbey star Peter Egan also paid tribute, remembering Henry Kelly as a "delightful man and a terrific presenter" following his death aged 78.

The actor said he was "very sad" to see that the former Going For Gold and Game For A Laugh host had died in a tribute posted to X.

Very sad to see this news TV presenter and journalist Henry Kelly dies - BBC News. Henry was a delightful man and a terrific presenter. I liked him very much. https://t.co/63Cpv9UVrT

— Peter Egan (@PeterEgan6) February 26, 2025

He added: "Henry was a delightful man and a terrific presenter. I liked him very much."

Former journalist and broadcaster Vincent Browne noted: "Henry Kelly was a great reporter. It was a pity he drifted into entertainment."

Henry Kelly was a great reporter. It was a pity he drifted into entertainment.

— Vincent Browne (@vincentbrowne) February 26, 2025

British astrologer and TV personality Russell Grant also posted a tribute on X, saying "Golden Henry Kelly has left us . . ."

Golden Henry Kelly has left us. I did a number of TV stints with him on LWT & @TVAMBreakfastTV he was always chatty & friendly. Sadly it's another sign that as I get older the more colleagues are lost and I am left with memories that seem like yesterday but are a generation gone.

— Russell Grant (@THERussellGrant) February 26, 2025

Sky News anchor Kay Burley was another who paid tribute:

The great Henry Kelly, always game for a laugh, has died at the age of 78.

From Irish newspaper reporter to UK household name, Henry will be sadly missed. pic.twitter.com/cPZJwi7UdM

— Kay Burley (@KayBurley) February 26, 2025