The late great Eamon Friel who sadly died today after a short illness
During the Mark Patterson show on Radio Foyle, listeners were stunned to hear that Eamon had passed away this morning after a short illness.
“I have some terribly sad new to share folks. Our esteemed colleague Eamon Friel has just passed away,” said Mark.
“His family have announced that Eamon died after a short illness.
“Our sincere condolences to Eamon’s family and friends here at home, and abroad.
“He will be remembered among his peers as one of the finest broadcasters and songwriters of his generation,” he said.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood paid tribute to the broadcaster on Twitter, saying: “Hearing that Eamon Friel has passed away. Such sad news. A great singer, songwriter and broadcaster and Derry man. RIP”.
Sinn Fein Foyle MP Elisha McCallion tweeted: “Thinking of the family, friends and colleagues of Eamon today.
“The industry has lost a talented presenter.”
Listener Patricia Cassidy said she had tuned into his Thursday night programme, broadcast on both Radio Foyle and Radio Ulster, not knowing it was going to be his last.
“My late husband and I listened to Eamon’s show for many years. He always played such great music. Him and Sean Donnelly were on the same wave length.
“I thought on Thursday night he just didn’t seem his normal self. His voice seemed a bit weak.
“Normally at the end of his programme he would say ‘See you all next week’. But last night he didn’t.
“I am just so sorry for his family, friends and colleagues at Radio Foyle.
“He was such a lovely man and I for one will miss him and his show on a Thursday night.”
Radio foyle broacaster Eamon Friel has sadly died after a short illness, his family announced today
“An immensely talented man and a gentleman. Honoured to have had him as a colleague RIP #EamonFriel.”
Eamon was known the length and breath of Ireland.
His albums included The Streets Forget, Here is the River and The Waltz of the Years.
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