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Veteran Irish broadcaster Terry Wogan dies aged 77

Veteran television and radio presenter Terry Wogan has died after a short illness aged 77. T...
Newstalk
Newstalk

09.14 31 Jan 2016


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Veteran Irish broadcaster Terr...

Veteran Irish broadcaster Terry Wogan dies aged 77

Newstalk
Newstalk

09.14 31 Jan 2016


Share this article


Veteran television and radio presenter Terry Wogan has died after a short illness aged 77.

The broadcaster was born in Limerick in 1938, and was known for presenting TV shows such as Blankety Blank, Children in Need and the Eurovision Song Contest.

He was also a radio host, including his BBC Radio 2 show Wake up to Wogan.

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Sir Terry had last appeared on the airwaves at the beginning of November.

Later that month, he pulled out of Children In Need for health reasons.

In a statement, the presenter's family said, "Sir Terry Wogan died today after a short but brave battle with cancer.

"He passed away surrounded by his family. While we understand he will be missed by many, the family ask that their privacy is respected at this time."

Books of Condolence for Mr Wogan are to open in his native city of Limerick.

The Council says they will be available to sign from 10am tomorrow at their buildings in Dooradoyle and Merchants Quay.

In a statement, President Michael D Higgins said, "his was a distinguished contribution to television and in particular to the medium of radio. People in Ireland will remember his early career in Irish broadcasting. On his move to Britain his voice became one of the most often quoted, favourite radio voices.

"Always proud of his origins in Limerick, he made many returns to his native country for television and radio projects," President Higgins added.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said, "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".

His always entertaining, and often unforgiving, commentary of the Eurovision Song Contest provided viewers here and in Britain with endless entertainment.

Bob Shennan, Controller at BBC Radio 2, said, "we were brightened by his wonderful personality and charm as he woke us up every weekday morning, becoming an essential and much loved part of our lives.

"We will miss him enormously and our thoughts at this very sad time are with Helen and all the family," he added.

Image: Katie Collins / PA Wire/Press Association Images

Esther Rantzen, who worked with him on the first Children In Need telethon in 1980, said: "I just loved his company and the viewers and listeners loved his company. And he had that extraordinary warmth and charm.

"He was funny, witty - a really skilled interviewer, which looked so effortless but was not."

Television and radio personalities from both sides of the Irish Sea have been paying tribute to the broadcaster.

Tributes have also been paid to Mr Wogan across social media this morning:


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