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TRIBUTES have been flowing following the tragic death of Glenflesk native Kevin Casey. The popular Waterford-based broadcaster, who celebrated his 40th birthday last year, died yesterday after a short illness.

WLR FM, where Kevin was sports editor, informed listeners of the death today, at the request of his family.

Kevin, who had also worked at Radio Kerry, began working in WLR FM ten years ago and the station’s managing director Des Whelan said: “Kevin is one of the most popular people I’ve worked with over the years and a really great broadcaster. His love of sport was only surpassed by his great love for his family. Our condolences to his wife Marguerite, his sons Paul, Mark and James and his parents Paddy and Mary, sisters Marie and Majella and his brother Martin.”

Kevin was honoured many times for his work in sport with WLR FM, winning a GAA McNamee award in 2010 for his programme which celebrated the jubilee of Waterford’s All-Ireland win in 1959.

Last year he won another McNamee award for his interview with Waterford hurler Maurice Shanahan where he gave an open and honest account of his struggle with depression which made for compelling listening. The programme was enhanced by the compassionate and sensitive style of Kevin’s interviewing. Last October he won a prestigious PPI National Radio Award for the same programme.

WLR FM’s head of news Liz Reddy said: “Kevin was not just a brilliant hardworking broadcaster but a fantastic friend and colleague to everyone in WLR FM. His wonderful easygoing charm brought joy to the News and Sports Department and made everyone he met and interviewed immediately at ease. His contribution to the Sports Department was immense, not just in the major awards he won but also in the way he went about his work every day. Kevin has been inspirational in the dignified way he dealt with his illness over the last year.”

His family thanked his medical team, Dr Paula Colvert, Dr Emmett Wall and Dr Sean Hogan and as well as the oncology unit, oncology liaison nurses and homecare team.

WLR FM programme director Michael Byrne added: “I am going to miss his friendship and Monday analysis of the weekend sporting action. He was so good at what he did and so passionate about sport. He loved his job and we all loved him. Our thoughts today are with his wife Marguerite and sons Paul, Mark and James.”
 

 
Above: The late Kevin Casey.