'Such sad news' - Tributes paid after death of RTE legend at the age of 68

Tributes are being paid today following the sad death of former RTE journalist Tommie Gorman who has passed away at the age of 68.

Mr Gorman was the Northern Editor for RTE for many years after being appointed to the role in 2001. He previously served as Europe Editor with the station. 

He retired from RTÉ in April 2021 after working at the broadcaster for more than 40 years. His family confirmed his death on Tuesday and said in a statement: "Tommie was a cherished husband, father, brother, and friend whose innate kindness and generosity of spirit touched the lives of all who knew him," his family said.

"His memory will forever remain in our hearts, and his spirit will continue to guide and inspire us every day."

The Sligo native was educated at Summerhill College before studying journalism at the College of Journalism in Rathmines, Dublin.

Some of Tommie's most widely remembered stories include his interview with exiled Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane after he was sent home from the 2002 World Cup by manager Mick McCarthy. He also interviewed poet Seamus Heaney in Greece after he won the Nobel Prize for Literature. 

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Mr Gorman is survived by his wife Ceara Roche and their two children Moya and Joe.

Tributes have been paid to him on social media, including from others in the journalism world. The Currency founder and CEO Tom Lyons said: "My friend, our friend, and the friend of so many Tommie Gorman has died. Kind, decent, patient, insightful, inspiring. A tireless campaigner to help people with cancer - a true journalist and great human being. We learned so much from him in @thecurrency."

Irish Independent journalist Kevin Doyle added:  "Everybody says nice things about people when they die, Tommie Gorman said nice things about people while they were alive. His kindness to my family was very genuine and personal too. Thinking of his family and close friends today. RIP."

Former RTE journalist Ingrid Miley also paid a glowing tribute: "Such sad news. Tommie believed in the best of journalism and in the value of public service broadcasting and gave of himself to deliver both. My deepest condolences to his loving family and friends. RIP."

RTÉ Director General, Kevin Bakhurst paid tribute to his former colleague and friend: "I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Tommie Gorman. I met Tommie on Monday evening - he was in good form and optimistic ahead of planned surgery this week.

"Tommie was not only a great friend and colleague to me, and to so many in RTÉ and beyond, he was also a journalist of outstanding pedigree, integrity and incredible tenacity. As RTÉ's Northern Editor he was the voice of an era as that era itself transformed from violence to peace. Tommie guided us through the intricacies with colour, command and panache. He was a storyteller journalist like no other. I am so deeply sorrowed by his loss and extend my personal sympathies to Tommie's family."

Deirdre McCarthy, Managing Director of RTÉ News & Current Affairs said: "We are incredibly saddened following the death of our former colleague Tommie Gorman. Tommie was a giant in Irish journalism and an integral part of RTÉ News for over forty years.

"From Belfast to Brussels, and his beloved Sligo, Tommie was an outstanding Irish journalist and story breaker throughout his long career in RTÉ News. Familiar to so many of our audiences at a critical time in Northern Ireland following the Good Friday Agreement, Tommie reported from Belfast until his retirement in 2021. His talent and tenacity as a journalist saw him cover a vast range of stories during his career. He was trusted by many to share their stories, from Roy Keane to senior Northern Ireland political figures, his energy and professionalism were always highly regarded."

President Michael D Higgins also paid tribute: "Tommie Gorman will be remembered as one of the outstanding public service broadcasters of his generation.

"Over more than 40 years reporting for RTÉ, he was a widely trusted and deeply insightful commentator on the North-West, Brussels and, perhaps most notably, Northern Ireland, where his incisive and well-informed commentary brought news of critical developments for twenty years.

"Throughout that time, Tommie was respected by all sides of the political spectrum and was a trusted source of information for the public during challenging years, the fostering of peace, and all that was achieved in Anglo-Irish relations over that time.

"A naturally empathetic person, Tommie’s courageous and generous work with cancer survivors leaves a very significant legacy which I hope will bring comfort to his family and all those who knew him. In speaking and writing about his own experiences, he brought a greater public awareness and understanding of the conditions and the treatments available for them.

"As anyone who ever met Tommie will know, he was a tireless champion of Sligo, and reflecting his lifelong love of soccer, of Sligo Rovers. Whether talking about the Bit o’ Red or Tottenham Hotspur, Tommie always knew every minute detail of the clubs and their fortunes.

"In a career renowned for being the first on the spot with key developments, Tommie will of course always be remembered for his interview with Roy Keane following his departure from Saipan and going to Greece to interview Seamus Heaney following the announcement that he was to receive the Nobel Prize.

"May I express my deepest condolence to Tommie’s wife Ceara, to his children Moya and Joe, and to all his family, colleagues and many friends.”