RTE NEWS 17 January

Death of Seán Mac Réamoinn at 85
January 17, 2007 23:04

Tributes have been paid to the veteran broadcaster and journalist Seán Mac Réamoinn, who died in Dublin this morning. He was 85.

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte described him as a radical and provocative voice, and a great raconteur. He will be sorely missed, Mr Rabbitte said. In a career with RTÉ spanning more than 30 years, Mr Mac Réamoinn presented a number of programmes on television and radio in both Irish and English. He provided memorable radio reports on the Vatican Council, and was a noted writer and commentator on religious issues.

Seán Mac Réamoinn was born in 1921 in Birmingham, but grew up in rural Ireland. He studied Irish, English and French in college, and after graduating he joined the Department of External Affairs. He joined Radio Éireann in 1947 and was a member of the RTÉ Authority between 1973 and 1976. He was also Controller of Programmes for RTÉ Radio in the late 70s. Current Director of RTÉ Radio Adrian Moynes described Seán Mac Réamoinn as 'a renaissance man, who was an authority on many issues'.

He is survived by his wife Pat, daughters Laoise and Seona, and son Brian.

Link to RTE TV News report