Alf McCarthy (1950 – 17 April 2024)[2] was an Irish radio and television broadcaster who worked primarily with Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ).

Alf McCarthy
Born1950 (1950)[1]
Ballinlough, Cork, Ireland
Died (aged 73)
Wilton, Cork, Ireland
OccupationBroadcaster
Years active1979–2015
EmployerRaidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ)
Notable work

Early life

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Born in Ballinlough in Cork in 1950, McCarthy was educated at Sullivan's Quay CBS and as a boarder at St Francis College in Rochestown.[3] His father worked as a stonemason and had a yard on Copley Street in Cork.[4] His father, known as Buddy Mac, was also a band leader and saxophonist in several showbands. McCarthy had a number of jobs after school, including factory worker, pizzeria manager, TV rental company worker, encyclopedia salesman and labourer with Irish Steel.[5][6]

Career

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McCarthy was performing on stage and as a DJ when he began his broadcasting career with RTÉ Radio Cork in 1979. He spent 20 years presenting local current affairs and arts programme Corkabout.[7] He created the comedy and satire series Shortt Circuit, The Usual Suspects and Bull Island, which was later adapted for television, as well as producing a number of documentaries. McCarthy's television credits included Live at 3, PM Live and Down Here with a View to Above. He retired from RTÉ in December 2015,[8] by which stage he was presenting Late Date on RTÉ Radio One.[9]

Death

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McCarthy died at Cork University Hospital on 17 April 2024, at the age of 73.[10]

References

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  1. ^ "Former RTÉ presenter Alf McCarthy dies aged 73". RTÉ News. 18 April 2024. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  2. ^ "Tributes paid to veteran RTÉ broadcaster and producer Alf McCarthy". Irish Times. 18 April 2024. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  3. ^ "RTÉ presenter Alf McCarthy hangs up his microphone for the last time tonight". Irish Examiner. 30 December 2015. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  4. ^ "Character of Cork: Alf's long career is still going strong". The Echo. 17 April 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  5. ^ "Tributes paid after death of veteran RTÉ presenter Alf McCarthy (73)". Irish Independent. 18 April 2024. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  6. ^ "Alf McCarthy: Retiring from radio aged 65 was 'soul destroying'". Echo Live. 2 February 2021. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  7. ^ "Cork broadcaster Alf McCarthy dies aged 73". Hot Press. 18 April 2024. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  8. ^ "Alf signs off tonight with last 'Late Date'". Irish Independent. 30 December 2015. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  9. ^ "Late Date's Alf McCarthy is signing off". RTÉ News. 22 December 2015. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  10. ^ "Tributes as Cork broadcaster Alf McCarthy dies aged 73". Irish Examiner. 18 April 2024. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
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