Derek Davis - ‘Wonderful raconteur and fantastic presenter’

“He was a wonderful raconteur and a fantastic presenter. He was a very unselfish man and he was very happy. His weight was down and he was enjoying spending time with his new grandchild and things were good. And then this happened.”

These are the words of Billy Crosbie, Cork musician and friend to the late Derek Davis. His sentiment echoes the shock of a nation after the much-loved broadcaster passed away yesterday at the age of 67, after a short illness.

Since news of Davis’ death emerged, hundreds of tributes have been pouring in — though none more poignant than the ones voiced by those who knew him best.