"One of RTÉ's finest" - Former TV news presenter Don Cockburn has died

The face of RTÉ News in the 1980s has died aged 87.

TV CLASSICS IRELAND / YouTube

THE DEATH HAS occurred of former RTÉ News presenter Don Cockburn after a short illness.

He was 87.

Dublin native Cockburn anchored RTÉ’s main news bulletins during over 30 years of service with the State broadcaster.

He first joined RTÉ in 1958 as a part-time announcer.

Cockburn’s presence on the airwaves and silky voice were something of a reassuring staple of RTÉ’s news broadcasts, particularly throughout the 1980s.

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He retired finally in December 1992.

Current managing director of RTÉ News Jon Williams paid tribute to Cockburn, describing him as “one of RTÉ’s finest over many years”.

The former newsreader is survived by his children Evelyn and John. His wife Marie had passed away previously.

His body will be reposing at his home in south Dublin tomorrow, 6 September, from 5pm to 7pm, before the funeral mass which will take place on Thursday morning at 10am in the Church of St Thérèse, Mt Merrion.

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