Tributes have been paid to former RTÉ 2FM DJ and television presenter Simon Young following the news of his death.

Simon, whose real name was Thomas Meade, started his career in pirate radio and DJ’ing in the 1970s.

He was well known for presenting shows such as The Beatbox and for appearing on Dempsey’s Den, hosted by Ian Dempsey.

The Head of RTÉ 2FM, Dan Healy, said: “Simon Young was one of the biggest names on 2FM in the station’s early years. He was a great radio professional and a favourite among Irish audiences.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of his passing. We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and former colleagues. May he rest in peace.”

Friend and former colleague Dempsey paid tribute on RTÉ Radio 1’s Ray D’Arcy Show, saying: “Simon is the last person that would want us all to be morose about everything. I think it’s great to celebrate a fantastic talent and a really warm guy and a very, very funny man. And also, a very deep thinker.”

Dempsey said they “immediately hit it off” when they began working together in 2FM.

“We were very, very close friends all the way through”.

For more tributes and images, click here.