Following the news that radio legend Tony Fenton has passed away, tributes have been paid across Ireland and beyond to the man described on Newstalk today as “the ultimate DJ”.
Today on Newstalk we have heard from several people who knew, worked with and admired the late Tony Fenton.
Sean Moncrieff spoke to Patsy McGarry, journalist at The Irish Times, who knew Fenton from their time working together at Sunshine radio, a pirate radio station once based in Dublin.
“He was an absolute gentleman. He’s proof again that the good die young,” McGarry told Sean. Gareth O’Callaghan, current 4fm DJ and one of those who worked alongside Tony Fenton in the early days of 2fm, also spoke with Sean.
Gareth talked about growing up listening to a then 16-year-old Tony Fenton presenting his late night ‘Nightline’ show on pirate radio, before eventually getting the chance to meet and work with the voice that first sparked his own dreams of a life in radio. Dave Fanning, another contemporary of Fenton’s, spoke with glowing affection to Pat Kenny this morning, remarking that Fenton was “The ultimate DJ ... the pilot of the airwaves”.
Having been a fixture in the lives of so many, and across generations, tributes to Fenton have been coming from every corner of Irish society
heartbroken to hear of Tony Fenton's passing. Audrey and I loved him very much. We had so many great times with him, so many
— Tom dunne (@tomhappens) March 12, 2015
Everyone here at @todayfm has been devastated by the news of the death of our great friend Tony Fenton. We will all miss him enormously.
— Matt Cooper (@cooper_m) March 12, 2015
Tony Fenton was the soundtrack to my evenings as a kid, a brilliant jock, an even better bloke. #rip #tonyfenton #yourethewinner
— Damien O'Meara (@damien_omeara) March 12, 2015
So sad to hear of the passing of the incredibly lovely Tony Fenton. Thinking of his friends and family and all @todayfmofficial x
— Amy Huberman (@amyhuberman) March 12, 2015
This was the playlist Tony Fenton picked for his My Life in Music interview with @tomhappens in 2013 pic.twitter.com/4xdX0dsx4l
— Jessica Kelly (@jesskellynt) March 12, 2015
V sorry to hear about #tonyfenton not only lovely person, great DJ but also fantastic 5-a-side footballer! RIP
— David McWilliams (@davidmcw) March 12, 2015
@tonyfenton was so warm on & off air, one of the good guys, he made a tough job sound easy, a born DJ #RIPTonyFenton pic.twitter.com/yhR9f9Pvmj
— Henry McKean (@HenryMcKean) March 12, 2015
Fenton was inducted to the PPI Hall of Fame in 2011, and he spoke about his long career in the radio industry as he accepted the honour
