RTÉ's Seán Rocks remembered as 'brilliant broadcaster' after death at 63

Dozens of tributes have been paid to RTÉ presenter Seán Rocks, who has died aged 63 after a short illness.

The radio host and actor passed away on Wednesday and is survived by his partner Catherine and sons Christian and Morgan.

Seán presented RTÉ Radio 1’s nightly arts and culture magazine, Arena, since its inception in 2009, and recently presented a Sunday afternoon show on RTÉ Lyric FM, where his radio career began in 2000.  

RTÉ presenter Seán Rocks has died aged 63 after a short illness. Pic: RTÉ

Paying tribute to Seán, RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst said: ‘Seán said once: “Radio is never about the presenter. It’s about the person who is opposite you.” Loyal listeners, especially to Seán’s beloved and long-running Arena on RTÉ 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. I want to extend my most sincere sympathies to Seán’s beloved Catherine, his children Christian and Morgan, his friends, and his colleagues at this terrible time.'

RTÉ presenter Seán Rocks has died aged 63 after a short illness. Pic: RTÉ

Sarah McInerney added: 'I am so sorry to hear this shocking news. I hand over to Sean every evening after Drivetime, and every evening he was in such great form.

'He was such a brilliant broadcaster; courteous, curious, and knowledgeable. This is a huge a loss to RTE, and to all of us. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.'

RTÉ Sean Rocks. Pic: Andres Poveda

Miriam O’Callaghan said: ‘Such heartbreaking news - Sean was the loveliest, kindest, most brilliant colleague-my thoughts are with his beloved family. Codladh sámh Sean.'

'My god, I am so sad to hear this news. Sean was kind, thoughtful, and incredibly smart; he brought warmth and wisdom to every conversation. My thoughts are with his loved ones. He will be truly missed,' added Louise Duffy.

Marty Whelan also paid tribute to Seán, writing: 'Sean Rocks has passed away, a lovely man for sure. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.'

Patricia Monahan, RTÉ’s Director of Audio, added: 'Seán'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 RTÉ. He will be sorely missed by his RTÉ Radio 1 colleagues and his wider RTÉ 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 Seán, May you rest in peace.'

Originally starting as a presenter with RTÉ Lyric FM in 2000, where he fronted a number of shows, Seán moved to RTÉ Radio 1 in 2009 to helm the station’s new weekly arts and culture programme, Arena. 

RTÉ Sean Rocks. Pic: Andres Poveda

Seán also guest-presented, produced, and wrote several series for the national broadcaster. He won a Silver Medal at the New York Festival of Radio for the documentary Soul of Ireland for BBC Radio 4. 

Seán worked extensively as an actor both at home and abroad, appearing at the Abbey, Peacock, and Gate Theatres and with many important independent companies including Rough Magic, Druid and Field Day, and at the Royal Court, National, Donmar Warehouse and Tricycle theatres in London. His television and film roles included The Bill, Glenroe, Fair City, Dear Sarah and Go Now. 

Seán was also the MC at the State Banquet for the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland and at several important state events at Áras an Uachtaráin.