Top DJ Gerry Ryan has died.
The veteran RTÉ presenter was found dead in his Leeson Street apartment at 1pm this afternoon. He had complained of feeling unwell to colleagues on Thursday. He was discovered in his bedroom by a friend after he failed to turn up for the morning radio show that he had presented since 1988. The show was covered by Fiona Looney. He had been with 2fm since its launch in 1979 having previously worked on pirate radio.
This afternoon’s RTÉ radio programmes initially carried on as usual. Derek Mooney said on his show, which was airing at the time that news was made public, “We would like to pass on our condolences to his family. At this point we will continue with regular programming and will bring you more news as time progresses.” At 4pm The Mooney Show was cut short for an extended edition of The Mary Wilson show that focussed on Ryan’s life and career.
The first of his TV series Ryan Confidential, featuring an interview with Heather McCartney, aired last night on RTÉ. The Gardaà are investigating but foul play is not suspected.
The outspoken and controversial RTÉ stalwart had enjoyed a long career with the State broadcaster that included his radio show, co-presenting the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994 and hosting the successful weight loss show Operation Transformation. He stood in for Pat Kenny for one edition of The Late Late Show in 2008.
Ryan was born in Clontarf, Co Dublin in 1956. The father of five was separated from his wife Morah since 2008, the same year he published his autobiography Would The Real Gerry Ryan Please Stand Up.
Statement
Late on Friday, RTÉ issued a brief statement on behalf of Ryan’s family. “Gerry Ryan died today,” it said. “Morah and his children are in complete shock. Please respect their privacy at this time.”
RTÉ added: “The thoughts and prayers of all RTÉ staff are with Gerry Ryan’s family and his friends.”
President Mary McAleese paid tribute to Ryan’s skills as a broadcaster: “Gerry was an extraordinarily talented broadcaster whose unique communication skills and larger than life persona entertained and enlivened a national audience over many years.
“His untimely death will be widely mourned, by his fellow colleagues at RTÉ and his many fans, but most especially by his family and friends who are in my thoughts and prayers.”
In a statement Taoiseach Brian Cowan said: “Gerry was a household name and a broadcaster of immense talent and popularity. His legion of fans will all be greatly shocked to hear this sad news.
“He will be hugely missed by all those who had the good fortune to know him. He was a very informed and intelligent man. He was a very decent guy, a very kind guy.”
His friend and colleague Pat Kenny, speaking on The Mary Wilson Show said: “I’m just gutted. I couldn’t believe the news. The awful reality has just started to sink in. He just cannot be replaced.”
