Former Limerick Leader journalist Fergal Keane to leave BBC after 37 years

FORMER Limerick Leader journalist Fergal Keane has said he is leaving the BBC after 37 years with “immense gratitude” to the corporation.

Keane began his career in journalism with the Limerick Leader in 1979 before moving to the Irish Press and later RTÉ, where he served in Belfast during the Troubles. He joined the BBC in 1989. 

The celebrated journalist was born in London but grew up in Dublin and later in Cork. He is a nephew of the late John B Keane who penned a long-running column for the Limerick Leader. Fergal Keane also previously acted as an Adjunct Professor of Journalism at UL.

Keane who has won awards including a Bafta, an Emmy, and the George Orwell Prize, has covered stories ranging from South Africa’s transition to democracy, to the handover of Hong Kong, and the Rwandan genocide.

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He also worked as the BBC’s South Africa correspondent, and was in place for the ending of apartheid and the coming to power of the African National Congress and Nelson Mandela, following decades in jail.

Keane has more recently been seen reporting on the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and is now completing his first novel and working on a new piece of non-fiction.

Keane, who joined the BBC in 1989 as Northern Ireland correspondent, said: “I leave with a natural degree of sadness but with immense gratitude to the organisation and the people I have been privileged to work alongside."

“The BBC remains the remains the gold standard for public service broadcasting anywhere in the world."

Keane continued: “To go at a time of my choosing was always my plan. I have just signed a contract for my first novel as well as a new work of non-fiction. I also look forward to making long form content in film and audio. News about an exciting new project will follow soon."

"This is a move to a new life and I could not be happier."

Keane received an OBE from the Queen Elizabeth 11 for his contribution to  journalism in 1996.

Director of news content for the BBC Richard Burgess said: “Fergal’s career has been defined by the quality of his journalism and storytelling, as well as the humanity and empathy which has imbued all his reporting.

“Beyond his professional achievements, Fergal is clever, kind and generous, as well as thoughtful and witty. We will miss him as a valued colleague.”