Well-known RTÉ radio presenter Alf McCarthy dies aged 73

Retired RTÉ Radio 1 presenter and producer Alf McCarthy has passed away age 73 after a short illness.

Mr McCarthy was most well-known for presenting the RTÉ Radio 1 show Late Date until he retired in 2015. 

The Cork native passed away this Wednesday, April 17 in Cork University Hospital. He is survived by his daughters Sarah and Ruth and seven grandchildren.

Mr McCarthy spent more than 35 years on air. He started his career in 1979 with RTÉ Radio Cork and is most well-known in the city for the radio show Corkabout, which he presented for 20+ years.

Additionally, Mr McCarthy worked in television and was an award-winning actor. He is known for presenting on the RTÉ One TV show PM Live with Marty Whelan and Mary Kennedy.

The 2007 film Strength and Honour saw Mr McCarthy play a small role as Dr Sheridan, alongside American actors Michael Madsen and Richard Chamberlain, as well as other stars Vinnie Jones and Pat Shortt.

As a producer, Mr McCarthy made a handful of comedy and satire series and produced documentaries such as Early Doors No More and A Tale of Three Cities.

His long and fruitful career also saw him act in theatre and in recent years, he joined the hugely popular Everyman Sunday Songbook team touring theatres in Ireland.

Following his retirement from RTÉ, he presented a music podcast called Late with Alf. Mr McCarthy said of his retirement: "I love the intimacy of radio and have enjoyed the privilege of being allowed into people's lives and hearts every night." 

He is fondly remembered by many as "a great performer" and "full of great humour". 

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said: "Alf had a wonderful personality. His warm, courteous and happy disposition towards life was truly infectious."

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.