Sean Rocks dead: Radio icon dies aged 63 after 'brief illness' as tributes pour in

Sean Rocks has died at the age of 63. The RTÉ radio presenter reportedly died last night in Dublin after a "brief illness" and was on air just last Friday. He fronted a number of shows on RTÉ Lyric FM in 2000 before moving to RTÉ Radio 1.

RTE has paid tribute to Sean in an emotional statement on social media. They stated: "RTÉ broadcaster and actor Seán Rocks has died following a brief illness at the age of 63. Mr Rocks presented RTÉ Radio 1's nightly arts and culture programme, Arena, from its inception in 2009.

"RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst expressed his sympathies to Mr Rocks' family and said that 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." He is survived by his beloved Catherine, his sons Morgan and Christian and his wide circle of family and friends."

Sean was also a talented actor and appeared in The Bill, Glenroe, Fair City, Dear Sarah, and Go Now. He is also credited for working in theatre, such as The Abbey, Peacock, and Gate Theatres.

After hearing of Sean's death, tributes have poured in from artists and radio fans. Writer and poet Nuala O'Connor described him as "a lovely, cultured man."

A radio fan remarked: "His passion for the arts and humour will be dearly missed from the airwaves. Thinking of his family, friends and colleagues."

Another listener also said on X: "Shocked by the loss of Sean Rocks so young. He was a gent. Always good humoured. It was always great to hear him on air. Thoughts with those who knew him well, particularly his family and colleagues on Arena."

Journalist Sarah McInerney said: "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."

After starting on RTÉ Lyric FM in 2000, where Sean fronted several shows, he moved to RTÉ Radio 1 in 2009 to helm Arena.

He also interviewed high-profile figures such as Salman Rushdie, Edna O'Brien, and Roddy Doyle, and actors such as Rupert Everett, Brendan Gleeson, and Martin Sheen.

Sean was also the MC at the State Banquet for the late Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Ireland.