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Former RTÉ newsreader Don Cockburn dies

Former RTÉ newsreader Don Cockburn has died aged 87.
Former RTÉ newsreader Don Cockburn has died aged 87. Former RTÉ newsreader Don Cockburn has died aged 87.

THE former RTÉ newsreader Don Cockburn has died aged 87.

The journalist and presenter passed away at a Dublin hospital following a short illness.

Mr Cockburn joined the broadcaster as a part-time Raidió Éireann announcer in 1958, before becoming a full-time employee in 1972.

The popular presenter anchored RTÉ's main evening programming over many years before his retirement in 1992.

Mr Cockburn is survived by children Evelyn and John and his grandchildren.

His wife Marie died previously.

Managing director of RTÉ News Jon Williams paid an emotional tribute on Twitter to the late broadcaster.

“Sad to learn of #DonCockburn’s passing: one of #RTÉ’s finest over many years. Our thoughts with his friends & family,” he said.

Mr Cockburn's funeral mass will take place on Thursday at 10am in the Church of St Thérèse, Mt Merrion and will be followed by burial at Deansgrange Cemetery.