Community mourns the loss of ‘radio legend’ Simon Young

TRIBUTES have poured in for Clondalkin resident Simon Young, a former RTE 2fm DJ and broadcaster.

The 70-year-old, originally from Glasnevin, Dublin, died on Sunday.

Mr Young, who’s real name was Thomas Meade, was a familiar face in the 1989s/90s, due to his work on shows like Den TV, the Beatbox and Pay the Price.

In the 80s, he presented shows titled Simon’s Choice or Simon’s Saturday Choice on Saturday mornings between 10am to 1pm.

Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind) got to know Simon in recent years through his capacity as a local councillor and mourns the loss of a “character.”

“It is very sad. He was one of the DJ’s we all remember from back in the days on pirate radio, and he worked with them all, Gerry Ryan, Brendan O’Carroll, Ian Dempsey.

“What time is it? And ger owa dat garden became his catch phrases. I was only speaking to him two weeks ago, and was hoping to meet up again but never got the chance. He lived in the Monastery area, was a great story teller, a good character, would sometimes drink down in The Village.”

Today FM presenter Ian Dempsey said: “Extremely sad news about Thomas Anthony Meade aka Simon Young RIP – a naturally deep thinking soul, loving, funny friend.”

RTE Gold presenter Will Leahy said “radio legend” Simon was a “stalwart of 2fm in the 80s and 90s” and “a big part of telly like The Den and the Beatbox.”

“He also played a key role in the early days of Mrs Brown’s Boys and who could forget his years playing Jimmy on the Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show. “G’wan outta dat Iano !”

Mr Young had previously spoken out about a near death experience when he was in hospital and also talked previously about his battle with depression.