Alf McCarthy, the presenter of RTÉ Radio 1's music show for night owls, Late Date, will hang up the microphone tonight after more than 35 years on air.
"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 At Three, P.M. Live and Down Here with a View to Above.
McCarthy is also an award-winning actor and in recent years he has been writing and developing television projects.
Alf McCarthy preparing for his last broadcast tonight
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."
Wishing my Radio 1 colleague Alf McCarthy all the best in his retirement as he presents his final Late Date tonight.
— Pauric Lodge (@pauriclodge) December 30, 2015
Will be very sad to be driving late at night and not hearing the voice of the great Alf McCarthy on @RTERadio1 #thelatedate - thank you Alf
— Marlene Enright (@mazzygooze) December 30, 2015
Aw, going to miss Alf McCarthy on #LateDate :(
— Bernie Quinn (@berniequinn) December 30, 2015
Late Date begins tonight on RTÉ Radio 1 at 11.18pm
