Colm Connolly (1942 – 3 January 2025) was an Irish journalist, documentarian and newsreader, best known for his work with RTÉ News.
Career
Born in Dublin, County Dublin, Connolly was a guitarist in the Paramount Showband in the 1960s.[1] He later began working as a freelance journalist with BBC Bristol and presented a regional current affairs programme for five years.[2]
Connolly returned to Ireland to work with RTÉ News as a reporter and newsreader in 1975. One of his first major assignments was as principal reporter on the kidnapping of Tiede Herrema in October and November 1975. Connolly published a book about the kidnapping − Herrema: Siege at Monasterevin − two years later.[3]
In the late 1980s, Connolly moved into documentary making. His subjects included poet Francis Ledwidge, soldier Myles Keogh and the Titanic. He also researched, wrote, directed and produced a documentary on the life and assassination of Michael Collins.[4] Connolly was RTÉ News' first Arts and Media correspondent until his retirement in 2003.
Death
Connolly died on 3 January 2025, at the age of 82.[5]