Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

RIP

Family pay tribute as Derek Davis laid to rest at Mount Jerome Cemetery

The broadcaster died unexpectedly last week.

DEREK DAVIS HAS been laid to rest at Mount Jerome Cemetery in Dublin.

The late broadcaster died unexpectedly last week.

He was buried following a cremation ceremony at Mount Jerome’s Victorian Chapel.

Among those present was Thelma Mansfield, Davis’s former co-presenter of Live At 3, who is seen here with Davis’s wife Una.

Pictured at Derek Davis' funeral today a Derek's wife Una, left, and former television co-host Thelma Mansfield. Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

Also present were Gay Byrne; Glen Killane, Managing Director RTE Television; and Kevin Bakhurst, Managing Director of RTÉ News and Current Affairs.

RTÉ reports that Derek Davis’ son Michael spoke at the funeral, saying:

I could not have asked for a greater father, a better teacher, or a more reliable friend. And I could not be prouder to be his son.

Also speaking at the funeral, was Davis’s former producer at RTÉ, Conor Kavanagh, who said, “He was gifted, stylish and talented. And man who was admired, loved and respected by those who knew him. A good man.”

Derek was a celebrity for sure, a unique and talented media person who achieved much in his lifetime. He was a man with an instantly recognisable voice, a witty turn of phrase, and a gifted writer. At home he was a decent and kind husband, father, brother and grandfather loved by his family and friends.

“He was a man you’d call on if you were in a tight spot. He almost always had a thoughtful answer, and a kind word. If he could do someone a good turn, he would and often did,” he went on.

Derek Davis funeral 13 90380584 Sil Fox, left, and Gay Byrne. Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

Derek Davis funeral 12 90380583 Glen Killane (right), Managing Director RTE Television, and Kevin Bakhurst, Managing Director of RTE News and Current Affairs. Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

Davis died at the age of 67 following a short illness. Tributes poured in following his death, with many of his follow broadcasters speaking of their time working with him.

Derek Davis funeral 15 90380586 Sil Fox and former Miss Ireland Olivia Tracey. Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

Davis was raised in Bangor, and started his career in the US with ABC, before moving on to BBC Northern Ireland and then RTÉ.

He was an RTÉ newsreader before going on to co-present Live At 3, then on to a show called Davis, and also Play the Game.

Derek Davis funeral 10 90380579 Derek's sister Elizabeth Wellman. Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

Davis’ last radio appearance was on Marian Finucane show on Radio 1 on 10 May.

Read: Derek Davis to be laid to rest on Monday>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
15
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.