Northern Ireland

Minute's applause for Stephen Clements at tonight's Belfast Giants match

A minute's applause will be held in memory of Stephen Clements
A minute's applause will be held in memory of Stephen Clements A minute's applause will be held in memory of Stephen Clements

A MINUTE'S applause will take place at tonight's Belfast Giants hockey match to celebrate the life of broadcaster Stephen Clements.

Players, management and fans will come together to remember the popular radio host (47) before the team takes to the ice against the Sheffield Steelers.

In a statement posted on social media, the Belfast Giants said: "Giants fans, if you are attending tomorrow’s (Friday) game please be in your seats for 7pm as we will be holding a minute’s applause to celebrate the life of, our former game night host, Stephen Clements".

The sudden death of the father-of-two was announced by the BBC on Tuesday.

He had joined the station last summer, describing it as his "dream" job.

He also worked as a presenter for BBC NI's coverage of the Open golf championship at Royal Portrush in July and in September became the new host of Radio Ulster's mid-morning show.

The new role had come after he had carved out a successful broadcasting career which saw him turn Q Radio's breakfast show into one of the most popular programmes in the north.

His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes across Northern Ireland and beyond.

His brother Gavin described him as his "inspiration and hero".

A funeral service for the much-loved broadcaster will be held at Roselawn in Belfast on Tuesday.

Despite previous reports that the funeral would be open to the public, the family issued a statement last night saying it would be a "private service for family and close friends only".

"We would like to thank everyone for their support and kind words," they said.

"We appreciate the privacy given to our family at this time."

The presenter, from Carrickfergus, is survived by his wife, Natasha, and their two children, Poppy and Robbie