Heartbreak at RTE as popular presenter dies aged 63 after brief illness
He became best known as the host of Arena on RTE Radio 1, having first made his mark with several shows on Lyric FM starting in 2000. His work on the evening show Arena earned widespread praise, especially for his insightful interviews with notable authors like Salman Rushdie, Edna O'Brien and Roddy Doyle, as well as actors including Rupert Everett, Martin Sheen and Brendan Gleeson.
RTE Director General Kevin Bakhurst expressed "enormous shock and sadness" at Sean's passing, recalling Sean's own words: "Seán said once: 'Radio is never about the presenter. It's about the person who is opposite you.'"
He added: "Loyal listeners, especially to Sean's beloved and long-running Arena on RTE Radio 1, will recognise the man in that quote: modest yet learned; subtle yet probing; curious yet polite. The listener at home was always his focus. Not only is radio the poorer for his passing, but so too has Ireland lost one of its most passionate advocates for the arts, and one of its most informed and versatile voices. RTE's Sean Rocks (Image: Andres Poveda PHOTOGRAPHY LTD)
"I want to extend my most sincere sympathies to Sean's beloved Catherine, his children Christian and Morgan, his friends, and his colleagues at this terrible time."
Sean also contributed as a guest presenter, producer and writer on multiple RTE series. He won a Silver Medal at the New York Festival of Radio for the documentary Soul of Ireland, produced for BBC Radio 4. He was also honoured to MC the State Banquet during Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Ireland. RTE's Sean Rocks (Image: Tony Kinlan)
RTE's Director of Audio Patricia Monahan said: "Sean's passion for radio and the arts was infectious and the curiosity with which he approached topics ranging from cinema to theatre and books to classical music was compelling to listen to. He was interested in everyone's point of view and had a great ability to command an audience's attention. He was never more at home than when he was on stage.
"He was full of energy and ambition for the future and is a huge untimely loss to radio and RTE. He will be sorely missed by his RTE Radio 1 colleagues and his wider RTE family. Our thoughts are of course with his beloved, Catherine, children Christian and Morgan and his extended family and friends. As you take your final bow Sean, May you rest in peace."
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