Former RTÉ presenter and producer Alf McCarthy died at Cork University Hospital last night following a brief illness. He was 73 years old.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has led tributes to the Cork broadcaster, saying he was “deeply saddened at the passing of Alf McCarthy”, while Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy offered his sincere condolences to the family, adding that Alf was “always a great pleasure to chat to, a great performer and a dedicated building community man.”

#GotCork RIP Alf, sincere condolences to family &friends; passionate about the arts, fun, v creative, funny, a proud Corkman, a great building communities advocate #weareCork #proudofCork https://t.co/6kAIghXCTT

— Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy (@cllrkmac) April 18, 2024

McCarthy started broadcasting with RTÉ Radio Cork in 1979 and presented the Corkabout show for two decades, later going on to present RTÉ Radio 1’s Late Date for 10 years, as well as the RTÉ One TV programme PM Live with Marty Whelan and Mary Kennedy.

His lengthy career also included the production of several documentaries including the Cleggan Disaster, Early Doors No More and A Tale of Three Cities. He helped create a number of notable comedy and satire series such as Shortt Circuit, The Usual Suspects and Bull Island, before retiring from RTÉ in 2015.

McCarthy is survived by his daughters Sarah and Ruth, as well as seven grandchildren.