Midlands mourns passing of broadcaster Michael Reade

There was a genuine outpouring of sadness across the Midlands, and across the entire country today, when news became known of the passing of former Midlands 103 broadcaster, Michael Reade.

The 58-year old was the hugely-popular presenter of the 'All Things Considered' show on Midlands 103 during the 1990's, which was the precursor of The Midlands Today Show.

He left the Midlands station 21 years ago to take up a new role with LMFM and his untimely death just a month after he publicly revealed that the was fighting a battle with cancer that he could not win, was greeted with shock and sadness.

The veteran broadcaster, who won Gold at the IMRO Radio Awards for the best current affairs programme on local radio earlier this month, made his first radio broadcast at the tender age of 15, and has been broadcasting ever since.

In a deeply poignant statement which he released last month, Michael Reade bid a fond farewell to his legion of radio listeners and spoke frankly about his terminal cancer diagnosis, saying "I wish it wasn't so" and adding that it is "not an argument I can win."

Many warm tributes have been paid to the memory of the late Michael Reade todaty with Tánaiste Michael Martin describing him as "firm, courteous, and respectful" and adding that he faced his final days with "typical courage and dignity." The Tánaiste also said his passing is "a great loss for public service broadcasting."

An Taoiseach, Simon Harris, saying he was "a loss to journalism, a loss to the people of Louth and Meath but most particularly his family and friends.”

Midlands North-West MEP and former RTÉ correspondent Ciaran Mullooly made reference to Michael’s statement last month, saying: “What an extraordinarily brave message to leave behind.”

The late Michael Reade is survived by his wife Sandra, his son Luke, brothers, sister and extended family.

Funeral details for the much-loved broadcaster have yet to be announced.