‘Too young’: Tributes pour in as 2FM DJ Alan McQuillan dies suddenly

Tributes have been paid to 2FM broadcaster Alan McQuillan, who has passed away.

The DJ and producer, who worked across a number of RTÉ stations for the past 18 years, died suddenly yesterday at the age of 36. Alan became a regular presenter in 2014 when he took over hosting the Early Breakfast show. He also began presenting weekday show 'The Workstation' on RTÉ Pulse the same year. Jim Jennings, RTÉ Director of Content, said that he'd be dearly missed. "We will miss him dearly, and we send our thoughts and condolences to his family and to his many friends both inside and outside RTÉ." Some of biggest names in radio paid tribute to Alan on social media today as news of his death broke. "Lost a dear friend today suddenly. Life is so precious," tweeted DJ Nikki Hayes. Taking to Instagram, she added; "I’m so so sad. The shock has lifted and I’ve been in tears the last hour. #rip to a wonderful friend." Presenter Baz Ashmawy remembered Alan as someone "kind with buckets of talent, funny, gentle and clever."

Im fucking heartbroken. @AlanMcQuillan1 was always a friendly face in @RTE2fm no matter what was happening. He was kind with buckets of talent, funny, gentle and clever but above all he was one of my favourite people in RTE. Too young. I feel cheated & robbed of my friend.

— Baz Ashmawy (@bazashmawy) January 17, 2019

Lucy Kennedy, Ray Shah and Maia Dunphy were also among those who expressed upset over his death.

I'm so so sad to hear about the passing of @alanmcquillan1. I had the pleasure of working with him in @RTE2fm #RIP Al Xxx

— Lucy Kennedy (@KennedyLucy) January 17, 2019

So terribly sad and shocked to hear about @AlanMcQuillan1 . Such a great guy, and always a lot of fun. Condolences to his family. ?

— Maïa Dunphy (@MaiaDunphy) January 17, 2019

There are no other words to say other than that @AlanMcQuillan1 was a gent. I can't believe I am saying 'was.' Thinking of all my former @RTE2fm colleagues and his family. RIP.

— Nicola Bardon (@NicolaBardon) January 17, 2019

So very sad and shocked to hear of the death of @RTE2fm DJ @AlanMcQuillan1. He used to brighten up every evening when we chatted before going on air with @willleahy. My thoughts are with his family, his friends and all his colleagues in @rte. RIP Al, thanks for all the laughs!

— Arwen Foley (@ArwenFoley) January 17, 2019

A book of condolences has been opened at RTÉ Radio Centre.