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Mourners bid farewell to ‘gentle giant’ Simon Young

‘His hugs were indescribable, his advice was priceless and his talents were endless’

Simon Young was best known as host of The Beatbox and Simon’s Saturday Choice.

Sat Nov 6 2021 - 15:59

Former RTÉ 2FM DJ Simon Young was described at his funeral as a kind and witty person as well as a deep thinker whose children always knew they were loved.

Mourners at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Clondalkin were told that the DJ was regarded as a “gentle giant” who was funny, kind and warm and whose children were his main sense of pride.

Young (62), whose real name was Thomas Meade, died on Sunday after a long illness.

His daughter Holly told those gathered:" His hugs were indescribable, his advice was priceless and his talents were endless."

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She said it was a “blessing to have a dad who was so open with his feelings” .

“Hearing ‘I love you’ 20 times in one conversation was standard,” she said, adding that he “continually told us how proud he was of us”.

His brother Glen told mourners that Young was unique and very special. He said he would always remember his humour and said “no matter how dark it seemed” he always looked on the bright side.

Well-rounded man

His nephew Jay paid tribute to Young and his “on-air chemistry”, “incredibly diverse talent” and “quick wit”, noting he was a great man for one-liners and loved philosophy.

A Mr Whippy ice-cream van was waiting outside the church in one of the broadcaster’s requests for his funeral in order to make to make mourners feel happy, said his brother.

The priest told mourners there were people waiting outside in the rain to bid farewell to the broadcaster.

Best known as host of The Beatbox and Simon’s Saturday Choice, Young also contributed to Dempsey’s Den, hosted by Ian Dempsey. Young left 2FM in 2002. And In 2011, in an interview with Hot Press, he spoke candidly about his struggle with depression.

He is survived by his wife Phyl, children Holly and Nathan and siblings Glen, Diane and Elaine.

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