Irish broadcasting lost another great today.

Veteran RTÉ radio star Larry Gogan has passed away, aged 81, just days after the sudden death of Marian Finucane and the passing of Gay Byrne in November.

Best known for the Golden Hour and the brilliantly offbeat Just A Minute Quiz, Lorcan ‘Larry’ Gogan left RTÉ in January of 2019 after a six-decade career in radio.

Gogan’s beloved wife Florrie died in January 2002. He is survived by his five children – Gerard, Orla, Grainne, David and Sinead – and 12 grandchildren.

‘He transcended generations’

“He transcended generations – whether it was a hilarious moment on the Just a Minute Quiz, the breakneck countdown of the weekly top 40, or the first play of a Christmas song – Larry didn’t just preserve these traditions, he created them,” said Dee Forbes, Director General of RTÉ.

As friends and colleagues share fond memories of the adored Granda of Irish radio on Twitter, here are 10 of the loveliest tributes so far:

The rookie tried to look cool but was quite lost. Peering across the sea of heads in the Radio Centre’s open-plan office, he hadn’t a clue where his producer’s desk was or how to get there.
“Can I help you at all?”
Famous voice and friendly face of Larry Gogan RIP.
Very nice man.

— Cathal Mac Coille (@CMacCoille) January 7, 2020

Larry Gogan a dear friend. A wonderful man.
May he rest in peace. @rte @RTElyricfm pic.twitter.com/sau8gax8AK

— Marty Whelan (@martylyricfm) January 7, 2020

RIP Larry Gogan – used to play cassette demos by underground Irish rock bands on daytime radio in the 90s when the so-called “cool” DJs wouldn’t touch them. Didn’t know him but always seemed like a great guy.

— Leagues O’Toole (@foggynotions) January 7, 2020

For years, my friend Ray honestly believed that the phrase ‘As happy as Larry’ referred to Larry Gogan. As he said himself, why wouldn’t it?

— Steve, but with a clever username (@steveohrourke) January 7, 2020

I’ll never forget the day Larry Gogan was on after me on @RTE2fm. Before my own show had started I saw him arriving for work… over 3 hours early! This wasn’t just a music show, it was serious business and he adored it. I was insanely starstruck. RIP, Larry. A gent. #LarryGogan pic.twitter.com/UFRI2ZcRa7

— Declan Pierce (@DecPierce) January 7, 2020

I remember seeing Larry Gogan on TV, discussing memorable Just a Minute Quiz answers

Larry: “Complete the phrase: ‘as happy as ___'”
Caller: “…”
Larry: “Just think of me.”
Caller: “…a pig in shite.”

Larry was in bits laughing. Such a warm presence on the radio RIP pic.twitter.com/cj6GLmyLQB

— Colin Walsh (@Clnwlsh) January 7, 2020

This is how entrenched in our culture Larry was.
The Dog in The Snapper was called Larry Gogan. pic.twitter.com/MuHw2N5Z8g

— Mango (@MangoDassle) January 7, 2020

I recall Larry Gogan’s advice to close colleagues at times when RTE management were turning the screw. He’d tell him ‘Keep going in’ – as in keep working, stay focussed, plough on through. I often think of that wise advice on difficult days. A broadcasting colossus #RIPLarry

— Graham Clifford (@GrahamJClifford) January 7, 2020

In honour and in memory of the late, great Larry Gogan, here’s some Just A Minute Quiz answers I’ve gathered over the years. #LarryGogan #LarryGoganRIP pic.twitter.com/egLCnVcomN

— Derek McHugh (@_DerekMcHugh_) January 7, 2020

Larry Gogan..” ah the questions didn’t suit you”
Contestant… “Ah go f**k yourself Larry”
Larry…. “That’s live radio for you folks!!” 😂😂😂 #justaminutequiz #rip #Legend

— Tomás Ó Sé (@tomas5ky) January 7, 2020

Image credit: RTÉ