LAST UPDATE | 31 Jul 2025

RADIO PRESENTER SEÁN Rocks has died aged 64, following a brief illness.

Rocks, a veteran presenter and producer for RTÉ Radio 1, was best known for his work on Arena, an arts and culture show that aired on weeknights.

Rocks also acted for many years and has appeared at The Abbey, Peacock and Gate Theatres and with many fringe companies. His television and film roles include The Bill, Glenroe, Fair City, Dear Sarah and Go Now.

After starting out on RTÉ lyric fm in 2000, where he fronted a number of shows, Rocks moved to RTÉ Radio 1 in 2009 to helm Arena.

He was well regarded for his public interviews with authors such as Salman Rushdie, Edna O’Brien, and Roddy Doyle, and actors such as Rupert Everett, Martin Sheen and Brendan Gleeson. 

Rocks was also MC at the State Banquet for the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland and at several important state events at Áras an Uachtaráin.  

Kevin Bakhurst, RTÉ Director-General, described Rocks’s death is an “enormous shock”. He evoked a quote from Rocks that he believes encompassed his character.

Radio is never about the presenter. It’s about the person who is opposite you.

Bakhurst said: “Loyal listeners, especially to Seán’s beloved and long-running Arena on RTÉ Radio 1, will recognise the man in that quote: modest yet learned; subtle yet probing; curious yet polite. The listener at home was always his focus.

“Not only is radio the poorer for his passing, but so too has Ireland lost one of its most passionate advocates for the arts, and one of its most informed and versatile voices.”

Rocks is survived by his partner Catherine and sons Christian and Morgan.  

‘A gentleman’

Tributes to Rocks have poured in from artists and culture lovers.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he “always enjoyed” listening to Rocks’s programmes.

“He broadened the appeal of the arts to a wider audience.”

So saddened to learn of the passing of RTE broadcaster Seán Rocks.

My thoughts are with his family, friends and RTE colleagues at this time. pic.twitter.com/kiyFNwi4Kf

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) July 31, 2025

Tánaiste Simon Harris said Rocks was an “iconic voice in Irish broadcasting and someone who made an incredible contribution to arts and culture”. 

“He possessed an unrivalled ability to entertain and inform his listeners, always doing so through his well-known Monaghan charm,” added Harris.

President Michael D Higgins said he learned of Rocks’ passing “with the greatest sadness”.

“Ireland has lost one its finest broadcasters and advocates for the arts and artists,” Higgins said.

“Seán’s show Arena on Radio One was an example, for all generations of listeners, of the deep, wide and supportive curiosity that he delivered from a rich insight into all aspects of the arts and culture.

“Seán’s interest in all forms of the arts shone through on every topic and he expanded so many people’s appreciation of performance and culture of all kinds, a public service broadcaster in the truest sense.”

Higgins and his wife Sabina expressed their “deepest condolences to Catherine, to Morgan and Christian his sons, and to all of his many friends, colleagues and devoted listeners across the country”.

Writer and poet Nuala O’Connor posted a photo of the presenter to Instagram, describing him as “a lovely cultured man”.

“I always enjoyed our chats,” she said.

Gavin Friday of post-punk band The Virgin Prunes said it was “dreadful news” and called Rocks a gentleman.

Novelist William Wall said it was terrible news.