Legendary RTE broadcaster and Official Irish Chart host Larry Gogan has died aged 81

Larry Gogan has passed away aged 81.

RTÉ confirmed the sad news earlier today, praising the veteran broadcaster as a "a genuine national institution". The corporation notes that he had been battling ill health in recent years.

The radio legend presented on RTÉ 2FM for over 40 years, famous for his show The Golden Hour, in addition to his Just A Minute quiz. He left the station last January and took on a show on RTÉ's digital station RTÉ Gold.

Larry also presented The Official Chart Show on 2FM, acting as a beacon of Irish chart knowledge, and published the best-selling book The Larry Gogan Book of Irish Chart Hits in association with IRMA. Larry was the voice of Irish Charts prior to the show's revival in 2014 hosted by Mark McCabe, and the Top 30's current presenter Bláthnaid Treacy.

We are deeply saddened to announce the death of our dear friend & colleague Larry Gogan. RIP Larry x pic.twitter.com/fDgxweM00I

— Larry Gogan FM (@RTE2fm) January 7, 2020

"Larry was a huge part of the foundation on which 2FM was built," said Head of RTÉ 2FM Dan Healy. "He was, arguably, the greatest music DJ in Irish broadcasting history; that gorgeous voice; that genius with a link; that love for the music."

Director General of RTÉ Dee Forbes added: "He transcended generations - whether it was a hilarious moment on the Just a Minute Quiz, the breakneck countdown of the weekly top 40, or the first play of a Christmas song - Larry didn't just preserve these traditions, he created them."

Outside of 2FM, Larry was presented with the Irish Recorded Music Association's Honours Award in 2005, and commentated on the Eurovision Song Contest.

We here at OfficialCharts.com/Ireland extend our heartfelt condolences to Larry's five children and 12 grandchildren.

© IRMA