Taoiseach Simon Harris has lead tributes to local journalist Michael Reade who has died at the age of 58 six weeks after he revealed that he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Michael presented his show on LMFM for 21 years and earlier this month he won Gold at the IMRO Radio Awards for best Current Affairs programme on local radio. He is survived by his wife Sandra, his son Luke, brothers, sister and extended family.
“I want to send my condolences to Michael’s wife Sandra, his son Luke, brothers, sister and extended family on the untimely passing of Michael” the Taoiseach said.
“I also want to offer my sympathies to his colleagues at LMFM and indeed, his loyal listeners.
“For over 20 years, Michael has been a voice to the frustrations, the celebrations and curiosity of people across Louth and Meath.
“For those of us who sat opposite him, he has been robust and tough but never unfair.
“Michael is a loss to journalism, a loss to the people of Louth and Meath but most particularly his family and friends.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. May he rest easy.”
Tánaiste Micheál Martin has also paid tribute to Michael, saying: “My deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Michael Reade, a broadcaster who made an incredible contribution to the people of Louth and Meath” he said.
“A firm but fair interviewer, Michael’s show on LMFM was essential radio for more than two decades on the issues that mattered most to his listeners.
“I always enjoyed my interviews with Michael and appreciated his courtesy and respect.
“He faced his final days with typical courage and dignity. Michael’s passing is a great loss for public service broadcasting”.
Labour TD Ged Nash said ” “Michael was one of Ireland’s finest broadcasters. He was a truth-teller with a robust interview style that was always fair.
“His innate sense of social justice, fairness and decency informed his work, and we count ourselves lucky in Louth and Meath to have had a current affairs presenter of Michael’s curiosity and calibre at the mic of our flagship programme on our local station for the past 21 years.
“He truly was the voice of the North-East. He will be fondly remembered as a superb journalist and a professional to his fingertips.
“Most of all though, I will remember Michael as a great friend and I will miss him.
“My sincerest sympathies to his wife Sandra, his son Luke and his beloved colleagues in LMFM, especially his longstanding production team members and beloved colleagues, Maggie and Chris.”
Last month, Michael revealed to his listeners that he had been diagnosed with a terminal illness: “Regular listeners to the station will probably know that I have not been at work in over a month, about 6 weeks now. I know some people listening would like to know why.
“Well, I am not known to stand on ceremony so, I will cut to the chase. I am not well. I am actually very sick. I have cancer. And I am afraid to say that my diagnosis is terminal.”
