Well known faces from the world of broadcasting have paid tribute to the RTÉ broadcaster Derek Davis, who passed away today, May 13, after a short illness. He was 67.
During a long career, he presented numerous radio and television programmes including RTÉ long-running afternoon show, Live at 3.
RTÉ Radio 1's Joe Duffy, 2fm's Rick O'Shea and Newstalk's Sean Moncrieff were among fellow broadcasters who have paid tribute to Davis.
Director-General of RTÉ Noel Curran said: “Derek Davis was a hugely popular man, both with audiences and with his colleagues in RTÉ. He was one of the first presenters I worked with as a television director and he was always generous with his time and advice, then and after.
"He was full of humour and warmth and was one of the most versatile presenters RTÉ has seen. But at heart he was always a journalist, and he brought that inquisitive sense of journalism to everything he did. From Live at Three to the Rose of Tralee, from Liveline to regional reports on the 2007 General Election for Drivetime, Derek Davis’s popular approach was always rooted in that strong journalism, which had marked his earlier years as a reporter and newsreader.
"He will be fondly remembered as part of the first two-hander news presentations with Anne Doyle, as well as his long-lasting pairing with Thelma Mansfield, just two of the many highlights in a long and distinguished career. I would like to extend my sincere sympathies to Derek’s wife, his three sons, his extended family, and former colleagues.”
Really sorry to hear about the death of Derek Davis. He was a gent.
— Sean Moncrieff (@SeanMoncrieff) May 13, 2015Jaysus. Derek Davis was one of the first people I ever asked for an autograph, the day the Nutgrove SC opened in 1984. Very sad.
— Rick O'Shea (@rickoshea) May 13, 2015Remember he'd always give me £1 behind @DanODonoghue2's back at the @RoseofTralee_ sad news #RIPDerek #DerekDavis https://t.co/CiIi6rCUyj
— Anna O Donoghue (@AnnaVDesigns) May 13, 2015Derek Davis RIP. To me he had the warmth,brightness and openness of summer . Condolences to his family. So sad to hear his untimely passing
— joeduffy (@talktojoe1850) May 13, 2015