WLR FM’s Kevin Casey receiving his MacNamee Award for Best GAA related Radio Programme for “Maurice Shanahan – My Story” from GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail at the Awards ceremony at Croke Parkin 2016. Photo: Sportsfile.
It always amazed me how relaxed Kevin Casey seemed before live broadcasts.
Moments before the theme music started, there was never any hint of panic from his end. In a high-pressure environment, it sounded like he was reclining in the hot seat and that laidback manner put his guests at ease. When the red light came on, the conversation flowed freely. It usually did with the affable Kerry anchor, on or off mic.
On Sunday evenings, after big matches in Walsh Park, I would drop out to the Broadcast Centre to return a raft of radio equipment but inevitably ended up chatting to Kevin who had finished his final sports bulletin of the day. Nearly an hour could slip away in his company.
Many of the glowing tributes from Waterford’s biggest sports stars hit on that theme. “It was like talking to a friend,” Niamh Briggs remarked. “I would go into the studio and I could be there for an hour!” Dan Shanahan had a similar experience. “When you’d get into the car to do an interview, you could be there for half an hour to three quarters of an hour and the interview would only last five to ten minutes, that’s the kind of man he was.”
In the spring of 2011, I sent a hopeful email offering to provide updates for club matches. Kevin responded within minutes. A couple of weeks later, he sent me off to Walsh Park for a double header with a telephone from upstairs and a simple piece of advice: make sure to give out the score. It settled the nerves straight away. In subsequent years, he kept giving me opportunities that I will be forever grateful for.
He consistently promoted the cause of Waterford camogie and ladies football. In 2015, WLR FM broadcast both All Ireland intermediate finals live from Croke Park. Kevin was the driving force behind that. He took a keen interest in Patricia Jackman’s trips to the All Ireland Poc Fada in the Cooley Mountains and Lismore’s exploits in the club championship.
He loved his work and set high standards. On his return to the Broadcast Centre last autumn, he was clearly excited by Ken McGrath’s autobiography and got his hands on a copy to have it read in advance of the launch night at the Tower Hotel. As always, Kevin recorded brilliant interviews, not just with Ken but his wife Dawn, Kilkenny legend Eddie Brennan and Cork All Star Joe Deane.
In 2014, we teamed up on commentary for the Munster minor hurling final on a boiling afternoon in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. He had his prep done and found out as much about the Limerick players as the Waterford ones. His knowledge and his passion for the game shone through in his play by play account as Derek Lyons’ team forced a draw. Of course, Kevin had the date and venue for the replay checked in advance.
Given the cramped space at the venue, the Waterford reporters were moved down to the centre of the stand for the senior final between Cork and Limerick. There was no sign of Kevin for the second half however until he mysteriously reappeared in the VIP section.
As the cup was presented to the victorious Rebel captain, he nabbed an interview with former Cork full back Diarmuid ‘The Rock’ O’Sullivan for his Monday evening programme. That was Kevin.
It was with deep sadness that we heard the news on Tuesday evening last the Kevin had lost his battle with ilness.
WLR FM paid this tribute. “At the request of the Casey family, we have been asked to inform our listeners of the death of our colleague Kevin Casey. Kevin, who celebrated his 40th birthday last year died after a short illness. He was originally from Glenflesk, Killarney, County Kerry and began working in WLR FM ten years ago. Kevin has been honoured many times for his work in sport with WLR FM , winning a GAA MacNamee award in 2010 for his programme which celebrated the jubilee of Waterford’s All Ireland win in 1959.
Last year he won another MacNamee award for his interview with Waterford hurler Maurice Shanahan where he gave an open and honest account of his struggle with depression which made for compelling listening. The programme was enhanced by the compassionate and sensitive style of Kevin’s interviewing. Last October he won a prestigious PPI National Radio Award for the same programme.
Our condolences to his wife Marguerite, his sons Paul, Mark and James and his parents Paddy and Mary, sisters Marie and Majella and his brother Martin. His family would like to thank his medical team, Dr. Paula Colvert, Dr. Emmett Wall and Dr. Sean Hogan and are particularly grateful to the oncology unit, oncology liason nurses and home care team.”
There was a huge outpouring of tributes to Kevin, here are just a few from Facebook and Twitter.
GER LAWTON, SPORTS EDITOR, WATERFORD NEWS & STAR
‘We were very saddened last night to learn of the death of WLR FM Sports Editor, Kevin Casey, at the tender age of 40. Kevin was a gentleman and a pleasure to deal with over the years and always lovely to meet and enjoy his company at various events and occasions over the past ten years, especially the WLR FM/Granville Hotel GAA Awards each January which he compared brilliantly ensuring that it was always an informative and entertaining evening.
He was also a superb professional and a great advocate for sport in Waterford over the past decade. Our sincere sympathies to his wife Marguerite, sons, mam and dad, sisters and brothers. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.’
MATT KEANE, WLR FM
My work colleague. My friend and in may ways my only brother departed this world yesterday. Kevin Casey came into my world ten years ago and we hit it off together from day one. My world is empty to but my hurt is nothing compared to his lovely wife Marguerite his little sons Mark.James and Paul. I loved working in WLR with Kevin and I loved Kevin. Your pain is now gone and we will carry that pain for you. Sleep well my lovely friend.
NIAMH BRIGGS, IRISH LADIES RUGBY CAPTAIN
Absolutely devo to hear the news yesterday..supported me long before we were successful! A gent in the truest word! #hisvoice #hugeloss #rip
NOEL CONNORS, WATERFORD HURLER
Kevin – Kerry at heart but converted Waterford, a true gent, RIP.
THOMAS BARR, OLYMPIAN
Really in shock waking up to this sad news. A thoughtful gentleman, never felt like an interview more a convo… rest in peace Kevin
JACKIE CAHILL, GAA JOURNALIST
So, so sad. Devastating news for Kevin’s family and colleagues. May the light of heaven shine upon him. RIP.
SEAN ‘GROWLER’ DALY, FORMER WATEROFRD HURLER
Tragic news, a fantastic and hugely knowledgeable journalist and an even better person, an absolute gentleman, ar dheis dé go raibh a anam dílis
WATERFORD FC
Waterford FC would like to convey their sympathies to the family and friends of WLRFM Sports Editor Kevin Casey. May he rest in peace.
PAUL COLLINS, TODAY FM
Just seeing the sad news there of the passing of award winning @wlrfm sports editor Kevin Casey. Very sad & too soon. Absolute gent. RIP.
SEAN KELLY, M.E.P/FORMER GAA PRESIDENT
‘I thought Kevin in school in Killarney and during my time there, there were two pupils who I couldn’t get the better of because they would always come back with clever answer, Kevin was one and the other was Michael Fassbender.’
CLUB DÉISE (WATERFORD GAA SUPPORTERS CLUB)
Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family, friends and colleagues at @wlrfm
