Friends and colleagues of Simon Young are paying tribute to the former RTÉ presenter, following news of his death, aged 61.

Kicking off his career in pirate radio in the '70s, Young – whose real name was Thomas Meade – went on to become a household name through his shows on RTÉ 2FM, and as a presenter on The Beatbox.

Taking to Twitter, Ian Dempsey described him as "a naturally deep thinking soul" and a "loving funny friend."

John Creedon remembered him as "a friendly presence around the radio centre" – with whom he "shared several mischievous moments on RTÉ 2fm & TV sketches in the 80s & 90s."

"So sorry he had to endure so much," Creedon added.

Dustin The Turkey also paid tribute – describing the "great craic" they had together on The Den: "Hope there's a big aul garden in heaven he can tell people to get outra!"

See more tributes to Simon Young below:

I so sad to learn Simon Young died. I can’t believe it. I was talking to him just a couple of weeks ago. Sympathy to his family and to all his former RTÉ colleagues who looked out for him in recent times. #GetOutOfThatGarden

— Philip Nolan (@philipnolan1) November 1, 2021

Very sad news. One of the voices and faces of our youth.

The Beatbox was essential on Sunday mornings. My brothers would have Network 2 on the TV to watch it and have 2fm on the big stereo to listen to it properly.

RIP Simon. https://t.co/3QiDVJpWvl

— Conor Wilson (@ConorWilson) November 1, 2021

We're in shock today at the news of Simon Young's passing. He was such a brilliant part of #TheDen family with his music slot and as one of The Den Dad's - always there to take over manning the madness for Iano or Ray with a laugh, a smile and always a joke! #RIPSimonYoung pic.twitter.com/bJ8J9VA5NF

— ᴅᴏᴜʙʟᴇ ᴢ 💥 (@DoubleZCreative) November 1, 2021

So very sad to hear the news of the passing of Simon Young. His joy and humour was so infectious and lit up so many of my mornings growing up. A hugely talented and naturally gifted presenter and by all accounts a lovely lovely man. RIP. pic.twitter.com/ljrKHPP7Ob

— 📻 Ed Smith 📻 (@EdTodayFM) November 1, 2021

I arrived in @RTE2fm a bit too late to have worked with the late Simon Young but god, he was a constant presence on the radio and TV when I was a kid and one of the voices that shaped music radio here in the 80s and 90s.

My thoughts are with his family.https://t.co/QLaIT6S1ep

— Rick O'Shea (@rickoshea) November 1, 2021

Hearing this sad news overnight. The 80s and 90s were great years for Irish radio, and for over 15 years the original 2FM was the only show in town.
Rest well, Simon Young, kind, caring, funny, and one of the best. A natural at what he did https://t.co/G8cM1jIQqE

— Gareth O'Callaghan (@GarethOCal) November 1, 2021

Very sad to think that 3 of the radio legends sitting on this couch in this picture from 1998 are no longer with us

It was from a quiz hosted by Brendan O Carroll called "Hot Milk & Pepper" pic.twitter.com/FM90ES9RWn

— Will Leahy (@willleahy) November 1, 2021