Death of popular DJ Billy McCarthy has ‘silenced a familiar voice’

The unexpected death of popular radio presenter Billy McCarthy “silenced a familiar voice” that had brought news and debate, light and meaning, and engagement and fun to thousands of people over many years, his funeral Mass heard yesterday.

The Church of the Holy Cross in Tramore was packed to overflowing for the funeral of the 62-year-old from Waterford, who died in hospital on Saturday, less than two weeks after he suddenly fell ill, shortly after presenting his mid-morning Déise AM show on WLR FM.

The station said this week they had received thousands of phone calls and messages from members of the public, expressing sadness and sympathy following the presenter’s death.