Alison O’Connor: Shanley pioneered a form of social journalism with courage and tenacity

It was heart breakingly sad to reflect on someone so vibrant and alive, to die so young, aged only 51, writes Alison O’Connor.

WHEN someone dies in Ireland we have a tradition of speaking well of that person. That, largely, is a good thing. However when it involves someone you thought was really special you feel the need to stress this is not just regular “saying nice stuff after death” territory.

Keelin Shanley is a perfect case in point. Keelin was one of life’s remarkable people. Before I knew and became friendly with her, I had admired her hugely as a journalist.