Tributes as Cork broadcaster Alf McCarthy dies aged 73

In recent weeks, Alf McCarthy had been involved with the Great Singalong Songbook events at Cork’s Everyman theatre.

Originally from the Ballinlough area, Mr McCarthy began broadcasting with RTÉ Radio in Cork in 1979, he presented the Corkabout show for two decades.

Former RTÉ broadcaster Alf McCarthy has died following a short illness.

Mr McCarthy, 73, died peacefully, following a short illness, in Cork University Hospital on Wednesday, with family members at his bedside.

He is survived by his children, Ruth and Sarah, his sister, Helen, and his childrens' mother, Denise.

He is mourned by his sons-in-law Ciarán and Alan, grandchildren Saidhbh, Finnuala, Méabh, Ciara, Connor, Dara and Fionn, and a wide circle of friends.

Originally from the Ballinlough area, he began broadcasting with RTÉ Radio in Cork in 1979, he presented the Corkabout show for two decades. He went on to host PM Live with Marty Whelan and Mary Kennedy. He also worked as a stand-in for Derek Davis on the Live at 3 show.

Alf also presented RTÉ Radio 1’s Late Date for 10 years.

During his career with the state broadcaster, he also helped create several comedy and satire series for television including Shortt Circuit, The Usual Suspects and Bull Island, and he produced a number of notable documentaries such as the Cleggan Disaster, Early Doors No More and A Tale of Three Cities.

He retired from from RTÉ in 2015. For the last number of years, he lived in the West Cork town of Rosscarbery, from where he presented the Later with Alf music podcast.

He was also involved with Down Memory Lane, a project in which he, Linda Kenny, Maurice Healy, and a host of guests, entertained people in libraries and nursing homes with songs from the past.

In recent weeks, he was involved with the Great Singalong Songbook events at Cork’s Everyman Theatre.

The team behind the show said they were “absolutely devastated” to learn of Mr McCarthy’s passing.

“Just 10 days ago, we shared The Everyman stage together in Burt Bacharach: A Celebration. 

We don't know how to begin to process our profound loss.” 

The team expressed their “deepest sympathies go to Alf's family and his friends at this most difficult of times.

“Words seem to fail us right now, but to borrow the words of Vera Lynn, Alf's favourite Songbook show,” they said.

"We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when, but I know we'll meet again some sunny day. Rest easy, dear Alf.” 

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he was "deeply saddened" to hear of Mr McCarthy's passing, adding: "Alf had a wonderful personality.

His warm, courteous and happy disposition towards life was truly infectious."

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy, who often performed with Mr McCarthy in the Down Memory Lane shows, also paid tribute to him on social media, describing him as "a great performer and a dedicated 'building community' man".

“The passing of Alf McCarthy is a very sad occasion for Cork especially to all those who listened to him on radio for decades as well as those who saw him acting and performing on stages across the country," he said.

"An individual with much creative genius, he was a story teller with a great skill to engage listeners, audiences and all those who met him in recent years MC-ing community-based down memory lane projects.

"At heart, he was a proud, wise, witty and creative Corkman who has left a huge legacy. He is a name who will be fondly remembered for years to come in his native city."

Mr McCarthy's remains will lie in repose at Crowley’s Funeral Home in Ballincollig from 6pm to 7pm on Friday, with a private cremation to take place later.