Irish Times columnist Charlie Fell dies

Writer spent final months campaigning for greater research and funding to improve survival rates for pancreatic cancer

The death has taken place of Irish Times columnist Charlie Fell.

Mr Fell (46) had been suffering from pancreatic cancer and wrote recently in this paper about his experience of living with the disease.

Mr Fell wrote the Serious Money investment column for The Irish Times between 2006 and 2014 when he became ill.

Alongside his journalism, he lectured in finance and investment at the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business and the Institute of Bankers. In addition, he worked with Covestone Asset Management and Cassidy Life & Pensions.

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He had previously lectured at Dublin City University, Trinity College and Manchester Business School.

Before entering academia and journalism, Mr Fell had worked in asset management with Ulster Bank Asset Management, where he specialised in US equities and later at KBC Asset Management.

Writing about his illness in the paper last month, he said: “I have come to accept that I will live with cancer for the rest of my life. After all, I have stage four cancer and there is no stage five.

“I am above ground and shouting loudly about pancreatic cancer and asking you for help to shine a spotlight on it. I want to see a vast improvement in survival rates.”

Just last Tuesday, he delivered a final lecture at the Smurfit School, aided by his brother John, where he again called for greater research and funding to improve survival rates in Ireland. He also said there needed to be more dedicated support for people with the disease.

Irish Times business editor John McManus said Mr Fell had been a meticulous writer with a loyal following for his articles during his time with the newpspaer.

“Charlie always researched his material carefully, conscious that readers might rely on what he said in making their investment decisions.

“His trenchant opposition to what he saw as the hype of a market led by uber bullish analysts became his trademark,” said Mr McManus.

Charlie is survived by his wife Ann, parents Gemma and Frank and brother John.