Tributes have poured in for Waterford broadcaster Billy McCarthy who died this morning aged 62.
The WLR FM presenter passed away peacefully at University Hospital Waterford surrounded by his family after a short illness. Billy had presented Deise AM in Waterford for the last 27 years.
The Mayor of Waterford, Cllr Adam Wyse paid this tribute earlier.
John Purcell is Chairman of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland and said "Billy was a trailblazer in Irish radio broadcasting, on air from the very start of that industry in the 1980s. From that time forward he was considered one of the best broadcasters in the country, a reputation that he maintained right up until his untimely death and which was reflected in his continued popularity with the listening public in his beloved Waterford."
Beat Breakfast presenter Niall Power also paid tribute on social media.
There were many tributes on Twitter too.
A PASSIONATE RADIO MAN: Sad and sudden news from The Deise #RIPBilly https://t.co/ng7H3HdYyb
— Ian Dempsey (@IanDempsey) November 20, 2016
The Waterford flag flying at half mast at @wlrfm Broadcast Centre today is very poignant. #RIPBillyMcCarthy pic.twitter.com/VUplnUQCuS
— Kieran McGeary (@kieranmcgeary) November 20, 2016
Deeply saddened to hear of the death of #Waterford's leading broadcaster @wlrfm Billy McCarthy, who was a friend from our schooldays.
— Daniel Mulhall (@DanMulhall) November 20, 2016
"I'll ring Billy McCarthy on them" was always my Mam's favourite threat if she got bad service somewhere. RIP, Billy. 💔💔💔 https://t.co/hKxKXuaedd
— ⭐ amy o'connor ⭐ (@amyohconnor) November 20, 2016
Devastated at Billy’s passing. When the rest of Ireland were told to ring Joe Duffy, we rang Billy McCarthy. He was the voice of Waterford.
— Stephen Long (@Stephen_Long) November 20, 2016
The on-air light goes out for a final time. Billy McCarthy has died. A dear friend of mine, heartbroken. #Waterford is a much quieter place. pic.twitter.com/U0GogNKfMB
— Zara King (@ZaraKing_UTV) November 20, 2016
Great sympathies to the listeners and staff of WLR FM on the loss of Billy McCarthy
Every morning since 1989 - few have such an achievement
— Will Leahy (@willleahy) November 20, 2016
All in @WaterfordGAA extends its heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and work colleagues of Billy McCarthy
— Waterford GAA (@WaterfordGAA) November 20, 2016
