A US broadcaster behind a popular radio programme about Irish affairs has been described as a "man of integrity".
Sandy Boyer, who presented Free Radio Eireann every week on New York-based WBAI, died after leaving the station last Thursday.
The broadcaster, understood to be in his early seventies, was familiar to listeners on both sides of the Atlantic and regularly discussed Irish politics and social justice issues.
Boyer was a committed socialist whose parents were involved in the civil rights movement in the US.
Contributors to the programme included former MP Bernadette McAliskey and Derry socialist Eamonn McCann.
Former IRA hunger striker Tommy McKearney was also a past guest.
“I always found him to be an American with a deep understanding of Ireland and its politics which is not altogether common when we deal with Irish Americans who have a romantic view," he said.
“Sandy had an understanding of contemporary Ireland.”
Mr McKearney said Mr Boyer was “a man of courage”.
“He was a man of the left and it was a socialist interpretation and he was upright and honest about that,” he said.
“Sandy Boyer was a man who had a huge amount of integrity and was never afraid to challenge difficult issues and step up for the marginalised.
“He had a grá for Ireland because of his understanding for Ireland.”
His friend and colleague John McDonagh said his commitment to the radio programme was “unwavering”.
“His life was dedicated to trying to make the world a better place by being a voice for the voiceless, especially political prisoners,” he said.
