Tributes pour in after death of much-loved broadcaster and actor Seán Rocks

Renowned radio presenter and actor Seán Rocks has died at the age of 63 following a short illness.

A familiar voice to listeners across Ireland and around the world, Seán was best known for presenting Arena, RTÉ Radio 1’s flagship nightly arts and culture programme, since its launch in 2009. More recently, he had returned to RTÉ lyric fm, where his broadcasting career first began in 2000.

His sudden passing has shocked and saddened colleagues and listeners alike.

RTÉ Director-General Kevin Bakhurst led tributes today, describing Seán as “modest yet learned; subtle yet probing; curious yet polite”.

“Radio is never about the presenter,” Seán once said. “It’s about the person who is opposite you.”

Those who listened to Arena will know how deeply he lived by those words.

Sean Rocks

With his gentle presence and deep passion for the arts, Seán gave a platform to everyone from internationally renowned authors like Salman Rushdie and Edna O’Brien to emerging voices in Irish theatre, literature, music, and film.

Over the years, his interviews with Brendan Gleeson, Rupert Everett, Martin Sheen, Roddy Doyle, and countless others earned him a reputation as one of Ireland’s finest and most thoughtful broadcasters.

His ability to put his guests at ease while digging into the heart of their creative lives made him a singular presence in Irish media.

Beyond radio, Seán was also an accomplished actor who had performed on some of Ireland’s most prestigious stages, including the Abbey, Gate, and Peacock Theatres, and with celebrated companies such as Druid, Rough Magic, and Field Day.

His theatre work also took him to major London venues like the National Theatre, the Royal Court and Donmar Warehouse. On screen, he appeared in Fair City, Glenroe, The Bill, Dear Sarah, and Go Now.

His passion for the arts was matched only by his dedication to the craft of radio.

He wrote and produced numerous series for RTÉ and even earned international acclaim, winning a Silver Medal at the New York Festival of Radio for his BBC Radio 4 documentary Soul of Ireland.

Seán’s eloquence and poise also led him to MC several state occasions, including the State Banquet during the historic visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland in 2011.

RTÉ’s Director of Audio, Patricia Monahan, said Seán’s infectious passion and innate curiosity made him a unique figure in Irish broadcasting.

“He was never more at home than when he was on stage or on air,” she said.

“He was full of energy and ambition for the future and is a huge untimely loss to radio and RTÉ. He will be sorely missed.”

Seán is survived by his beloved partner Catherine and his sons Christian and Morgan.

As the tributes continue to flow in from across Ireland’s arts and broadcasting communities, one thing is clear: Seán Rocks leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of storytelling, creativity, and warmth that touched countless lives.