Broadcaster and actor Seán Rocks has died following a brief illness at the age of 63.

The presenter was well-known to listeners across Ireland and the world, presenting RTÉ Radio 1’s Arena since its inception in 2009.

Seán also recently presented a Sunday afternoon programme on RTÉ Lyric FM, where he kick-started his radio career in 2000.

Broadcaster and actor Seán Rocks has died following a brief illness at the age of 63. Pic: RTÉ

After beginning his career in Lyric FM, Seán made the move to Radio 1 where he was widely regarded for his public interviews including with the likes of Edna O’Brien Roddy Doyle, Martin Sheen and Brendan Gleeson.

RTÉ Director-General Kevin Bakhurst paid tribute, saying it was ‘with enormous shock and sadness’ that he learned of Seán’s death.

He said: ‘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.

Seán Rocks also guest-presented, produced and wrote several series for the public service broadcaster, and won a Silver Medal at the New York Festival of Radio for BBC Radio 1 documentary, Soul of Ireland. Pic: RTÉ

‘I want to extend my sincere sympathies to Seán’s beloved Catherine, his children Christian and Morgan, his friends, and his colleagues at this terrible time.’

The late broadcaster also guest-presented, produced and wrote several series for the public service broadcaster, and won a Silver Medal at the New York Festival of Radio for BBC Radio 1 documentary, Soul of Ireland.

As well as his broadcasting career, Seán was a stellar actor and performed at the Abbey, Peacock and Gate Theatres across his career.

As well as his broadcasting career, Seán Rocks was a stellar actor and performed at the Abbey, Peacock and Gate Theatres across his career. Pic: RTE

In TV and film, he appeared in The Bill, Glenroe and Fair City.

RTÉ Director of Audio, Patricia Monahan, said his ‘passion or radio and the arts was infectious.’

She said: ‘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 timely loss to radio and RTÉ.’

Ms Monahan added that Seán would be ‘sorely missed by his RTÉ Radio 1 colleagues and his wider RTÉ family.’

Seán is survived by his beloved Catherine and sons Christian and Morgan.