RTÉ 2fm presenter Alan McQuillan has died. The shocking news of the presenter and producer’s death yesterday, Wednesday 16 January, was greeted with dismay by his friends and colleagues in RTE and beyond.  He was just 37 years old.

McQuillan had spent nearly two decades working as a presenter and a show producer for RTÉ. He was best known for presenting the Early Breakfast show on RTÉ 2fm, having taken over the early morning shift in 2014. He was also currently presenting The Workstation on RTÉ Pulse.

“Alan was well known and respected throughout RTÉ and was a talented member of our Radio family for almost 20 years,” said Jim Jennings, RTÉ’s director of content. "We will miss him dearly, and we send our thoughts and condolences to his family and to his many friends both inside and outside RTÉ.”

On social media several of his friends and former colleagues shared their condolences.

On Twitter, Virgin Media presenter Lucy Kennedy wrote, “I'm so so sad to hear about the passing of@alanmcquillan1. I had the pleasure of working with him in@RTE2fm#RIPAl Xxx.”

That feeling was echoed by another female presenter with whom Alan had worked.

“I'm so so sad. The shock has lifted and I've been in tears the last hour. RIP to a wonderful friend @alanmcquillan1way way too soon Alser,” wrote former 2fm presenter Nikki Hayes in an Instagram post.

In another Instagram post, the acclaimed Irish actor Kevin J. Ryan wrote, “Just heard of the shocking sudden passing of my mate Alan McQuillan. Gone far too soon... Life is special, our time invaluable. Love to his family in this beyond tough time. Alan, you will be missed you gem.”

Alan was a true music fan, and a radio man to the soles of his feet. His friend, the renowned DJ, Alan Gibbs, wrote, “A 20-year friendship where he always showed up for me… I hope I did for him too…a true friend, a confidant, a believer and a radio anorak of the highest order.”

In a Facebook post, radio presenter Ray Shah addressed his passing and said, "Life is so precious, you just never know when it’s going to end."

That much cannot be denied. Hot Press sends its condolences to Alan’s family, his friends and to everyone in RTÉ 2fm. It is a sad day indeed for Irish radio and for the Irish music scene