PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins has led tributes to the veteran broadcaster and much loved Limerick man Terry Wogan who has died at the age of 77 following his battle with cancer.
Born in Limerick in August 1938, Sir Michael Terrence Wogan began his career at RTÉ as a radio presenter before taking to the screen in entertainment.
Mr Wogan moved to the UK in 1966 after The BBC approached the Limerick man in what was to be the start of a distinguished career.
‘Wake Up to Wogan’ on BBC Radio 2 in 2009 had eight million regular listeners, making him the most listened-to radio broadcaster in Europe.
An tUachtarán Michael D Higgins declared that he had learned with sadness of the death of ” one of the great figures of broadcasting,” noting Terry Wogan’s distinguished contribution to television and in particular to the medium of radio.
“People in Ireland will remember his early career in Irish broadcasting, ”
President Higgins added, recalling how his move to Britain saw his voice become “the most often quoted, favourite radio voices.”
His rise to the top of radio listenership in the United Kingdom was, An tUachtarán declared, “a great tribute to his breadth of knowledge and in particular his unique, very personal sense of humour.”
“It is with great sadness that I learned this morning of the passing of legendary broadcaster Terry Wogan,”
Taoiseach Enda Kenny declared, noting that the veteran broadcaster’s sense of humour and wit were `unparalleled.‘
“He graced the top of his broadcasting profession for decades as a reassuring voice on the BBC. As an Irishman, Terry Wogan occupied a special place in British listeners’ hearts and he acted in no small way as a bridge between Ireland and Britain.”
The Taoiseach signalled the “entertaining, and often unforgiving, commentary of the Eurovision Song Contest (which) provided viewers here and in Britain with endless entertainment.” Mr Kenny declared that “our deepest condolences go to his family at this time.”
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Camerin said “I grew up listening to him on the radio and watching him on TV. His charm and wit always made me smile.”
