Remembering Alf McCarthy and Larry Masterson

We were saddened to learn this morning of the passing of our friend and former colleague, Alf McCarthy who died yesterday.

We remember Alf as a popular presenter who loved radio, who loved broadcasting, who loved people and who loved performing. All of these traits shone through in his long and distinguished career in RTÉ which spanned more than 35 years, from 1979 to 2015. During his time in RTÉ, as well as being a much-loved colleague, he was best known as presenter of Late Date on RTÉ Radio 1, as one of the popular presenters of Live at Three and PM Live on RTÉ One television and, of course, as host of the current affairs and arts programme, Corkabout on RTE Radio Cork – and on RTÉ Radio 1 – which he presented for more than 20 years. A man of many talents and interests, he also created satirical and comedy series, and produced a number of documentaries for RTÉ. He will be sorely missed.

We are thinking today of his family and of his many friends across RTÉ, past and present, particularly our colleagues in RTÉ Cork.

Alf was 73, as was our former colleague, Larry Masterson who sadly passed away earlier this week.

Larry was legendary in the industry; deeply respected,  much liked, and widely admired. Following a diversion from his early career as a social worker, his career in television spanned over 40 years. From an initial foray in current affairs, Larry soon found his niche in entertainment, and his work with Mike Murphy on The Live Mike – including his infamous Candid Camera style inserts – were not only hugely innovative, but were cultural moments then and now. As executive producer on The Late Late Show, the world’s longest running live entertainment show, Larry ensured the continuity of the programme’s iconic status in Irish life. He said a good Late Late should be like a good night out. Audiences, whether they knew it or not, had countless great nights out with Larry. His contribution will be long remembered.”

RTÉ Director General, Kevin Bakhurst