Alf McCarthy, the presenter of RTÉ Radio 1's music show for night owls, Late Date, will retire at the end of this month after more than 35 years on air.
His final Late Date is on RTÉ Radio 1 on Thursday December 30 after the 11pm news bulletin.
"I love the intimacy of radio and have enjoyed the privilege of being allowed into people's lives and hearts every night," said the presenter ahead of what is sure to be an emotional on-air goodbye.
McCarthy began broadcasting with RTÉ Radio Cork in 1979 and is best known in the city for presenting the current affairs and arts programme Corkabout for over 20 years.
He created the comedy and satire series Shortt Circuit, The Usual Suspects and Bull Island and produced documentaries such as The Cleggan Disaster, Early Doors No More and A Tale of Three Cities. His television credits include Live @ Three, P.M. Live and Down Here with a View to Above.
McCarthy is also an award-winning actor and has appeared in The Dresser, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Woman in Black and The Odd Couple in the Everyman Theatre in Cork and the film Strength and Honour. In recent years he has been writing and developing television projects.
Paying tribute, RTÉ Radio 1 Music and Entertainment Editor Ann-Marie Power said: "It has been a privilege working with Alf over the past number of years and seeing first-hand how his loyal family of listeners held him in the highest and warmest regard. He will be missed."
