Orla Kelly, the Kilkenny-based designer, presenter, actor and former political figure, has died at the age of 59.
She died at her home in Dungarvan, Co Kilkenny.
Ms Kelly was known for her work in design, television and public life at both local and national level.
Trained as an architect, she began her career in Milan, where she specialised in trompe l'oeil techniques using traditional and modern methods.
After returning to Ireland, she established herself as a freelance design consultant and became widely recognised as the interiors and DIY expert on RTÉ’s lifestyle programme Our House, alongside presenter Duncan Stewart.
Ms Kelly also worked with the Irish Landmark Trust as Lead Design Consultant, overseeing interior design projects and advising on the acquisition and restoration of heritage furniture.
In recent years, she continued to work on private residential and hospitality projects in the Kilkenny region.
Alongside her career in design and media, Ms Kelly was active in politics through Fine Gael. She contested the 2019 local elections in the Callan-Thomastown municipal district and later served as chair of the Fine Gael Carlow-Kilkenny constituency organisation.
An online death notice described her as "a vibrant and joyful person" who "lived life to the full".
Ms Kelly is survived by her husband, artist Blaise Smith, and daughters, Freagh and Morgan.
