The sad news came in this morning that broadcaster Derek Davis had passed away at aged 67 following a short illness. Since the news was announced, tributes have been pouring in from his former colleagues, friends and admirers.
Originally from County Down, Davis began his career as a journalist but was mostly known for his time hosting Ireland's staple afternoon show in the nineties, Live at 3, which ran from 1986 until 1997. Reaching audiences of up to 300,000 at times, it is still Ireland's most successful daytime programme to date.
As well as Live at 3, the presenter hosted a show called Davis at Large back in 1985, a marine show called Out of the Blue in the late nineties. In 2005, he hosted a show called Time on Their Hands, which was a travel series for older people, as well as appearing in an episode of Celebrity Banisteoir, where his team went on to win the tournament.
Davis worked on many radio shows too and even presented the Rose of Tralee back in '95 and '96.
He was most recently seen in an interview on The Saturday Night Show where he discussed the gastric surgery he had undertaken which saw him lose over five stone.
A household name at this stage, Derek will be missed by many and is survived by his wife and three children.
Derek Davis an under-rated broadcaster, an outstanding university debater, a sublime after-dinner speaker, and a great friend. Will miss him
— George Hook (@ghook) May 13, 2015
Derek Davis, RIP, sorry to hear, a man of great warmth and humour, always a pleasure to meet.
— Tom dunne (@tomhappens) May 13, 2015
Derek Davis RIP. To me he had the warmth,brightness and openness of summer . Condolences to his family. So sad to hear his untimely passing
— joeduffy (@talktojoe1850) May 13, 2015
Terribly sad news about Derek Davis. For me, one of the most underrated broadcasters we have ever produced. And a great man to tell a yarn.
— Will Leahy (@willleahy) May 13, 2015
So sorry to hear of Derek Davis' death. Only met him last Sunday looking marvellous after recent surgery. Hard to believe. RIP.
— Sinead Ryan (@sinead_ryan) May 13, 2015
Very sad to hear about Derek Davis'.A brilliant and therefore woefully underated broadcaster. Takes a great to make it easy! RIP big man!
— Ed Smith (@edsongsofpraise) May 13, 2015
Really sorry to hear about the death of Derek Davis. He was a gent.
— Sean Moncrieff (@SeanMoncrieff) May 13, 2015
Derek Davis dead? Im gutted. A showman, but one of substance and experience. Meeting him always brightened my day pic.twitter.com/ItZDxZCYMP
— Philip Boucher-Hayes (@boucherhayes) May 13, 2015
Very sad news about Derek Davis - a great, sharp TV & radio broadcaster & interviewer - RIP
— Jim Carroll (@jimcarrollOTR) May 13, 2015
Sad news reaching us in the last few minutes that Derek Davis has passed away earlier this morning. RIP Derek.
— Today Sean O'Rourke (@TodaySOR) May 13, 2015
Really sad to hear about Derek Davis, one of nature's true gentlemen. My thoughts go to his family.
— Joan Burton (@joanburton) May 13, 2015
Jaysus. Derek Davis was one of the first people I ever asked for an autograph, the day the Nutgrove SC opened in 1984. Very sad.
— Rick O'Shea (@rickoshea) May 13, 2015
