Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Family pay tribute as Derek Davis laid to rest at Mount Jerome Cemetery

The broadcaster died unexpectedly last week.

DEREK DAVIS HAS been laid to rest at Mount Jerome Cemetery in Dublin.

The late broadcaster died unexpectedly last week.

He was buried following a cremation ceremony at Mount Jerome’s Victorian Chapel.

Among those present was Thelma Mansfield, Davis’s former co-presenter of Live At 3, who is seen here with Davis’s wife Una.

Pictured at Derek Davis' funeral today a Derek's wife Una, left, and former television co-host Thelma Mansfield. Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

Also present were Gay Byrne; Glen Killane, Managing Director RTE Television; and Kevin Bakhurst, Managing Director of RTÉ News and Current Affairs.

RTÉ reports that Derek Davis’ son Michael spoke at the funeral, saying:

I could not have asked for a greater father, a better teacher, or a more reliable friend. And I could not be prouder to be his son.

Also speaking at the funeral, was Davis’s former producer at RTÉ, Conor Kavanagh, who said, “He was gifted, stylish and talented. And man who was admired, loved and respected by those who knew him. A good man.”

Derek was a celebrity for sure, a unique and talented media person who achieved much in his lifetime. He was a man with an instantly recognisable voice, a witty turn of phrase, and a gifted writer. At home he was a decent and kind husband, father, brother and grandfather loved by his family and friends.

“He was a man you’d call on if you were in a tight spot. He almost always had a thoughtful answer, and a kind word. If he could do someone a good turn, he would and often did,” he went on.

Derek Davis funeral 13 90380584 Sil Fox, left, and Gay Byrne. Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

Derek Davis funeral 12 90380583 Glen Killane (right), Managing Director RTE Television, and Kevin Bakhurst, Managing Director of RTE News and Current Affairs. Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

Davis died at the age of 67 following a short illness. Tributes poured in following his death, with many of his follow broadcasters speaking of their time working with him.

Derek Davis funeral 15 90380586 Sil Fox and former Miss Ireland Olivia Tracey. Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

Davis was raised in Bangor, and started his career in the US with ABC, before moving on to BBC Northern Ireland and then RTÉ.

He was an RTÉ newsreader before going on to co-present Live At 3, then on to a show called Davis, and also Play the Game.

Derek Davis funeral 10 90380579 Derek's sister Elizabeth Wellman. Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

Davis’ last radio appearance was on Marian Finucane show on Radio 1 on 10 May.

Read: Derek Davis to be laid to rest on Monday>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
15 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ironballs mcginty
    Favourite ironballs mcginty
    Report
    May 18th 2015, 6:13 PM

    What a Great Great man. We need more folk of his character in this little country.
    Hope the fishing is good there ..rip Derek.

    349
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dermot O'Reilly
    Favourite Dermot O'Reilly
    Report
    May 18th 2015, 5:29 PM

    May the good Lord have mercy on his soul.

    327
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Neal Ireland Hello
    Favourite Neal Ireland Hello
    Report
    May 18th 2015, 5:52 PM

    Mercy? Why? Did he commit some horrible atrocity?

    50
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dermot O'Reilly
    Favourite Dermot O'Reilly
    Report
    May 18th 2015, 10:21 PM

    Offensive!

    29
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bernard Cantillon
    Favourite Bernard Cantillon
    Report
    May 19th 2015, 12:53 AM

    I think ‘may he rest in peace’ or ‘condolences to his family and friends’ are more suitable. I also don’t like calling for mercy for the dead. It is peculiar to those who believe in the idea of heaven and a particular idea of afterlife etc, which many don’t share.

    Anyway in regard to the late Derek Davis, he contributed much that was interesting and positive to Irish broadcasting and through his position in broadcasting to Irish life more generally. For that, he will be missed. Condolences to his family and friends.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Just Some Guy
    Favourite Just Some Guy
    Report
    May 18th 2015, 5:53 PM

    R.I.P Derek. A true gent even though I never met him.

    248
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dr. Manford Payce
    Favourite Dr. Manford Payce
    Report
    May 18th 2015, 6:04 PM

    Funerals are such horrible things. Joyful moments among friend and loved one under the shadow of great sadness.

    Thelma Mansfield looks well though, doesn’t she.

    125
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Garreth Byrne
    Favourite Garreth Byrne
    Report
    May 18th 2015, 7:12 PM

    @ Dr. Manford Payce. Funerals in Ireland are sad but not always horrible unless the loved ones have died in horrible circumstances. Generally in an Irish funeral there is an expression of community sadness mixed with a remembrance and celebration of the qualities and achievements in the life of the deceased. The funeral of Derek Davis, much loved as a broadcaster, is an example of this. May he rest in peace.

    65
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute just_pure_fedup
    Favourite just_pure_fedup
    Report
    May 18th 2015, 8:46 PM

    RIP Double D, and a safe onward journey.

    35
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Vines
    Favourite Michael Vines
    Report
    May 19th 2015, 1:54 AM

    My wife,s flat mate back in the early seventies went out with Derek for a little while so i got to know him and he was a lovely person it is great to hear his son,s speak so nice about him. You have a great loss in your family god love you all but you have wonderful memories which you will carry to your own grave. My thoughts are with you

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ironballs mcginty
    Favourite ironballs mcginty
    Report
    May 18th 2015, 7:24 PM

    Sorry, meant tight not tit, made a boob so to speak.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mark Farrell
    Favourite Mark Farrell
    Report
    May 18th 2015, 7:08 PM

    Did they bury him at 3, that would have been great irony

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ironballs mcginty
    Favourite ironballs mcginty
    Report
    May 18th 2015, 6:44 PM

    Tit lines Derek

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jane Beatrice Ejim
    Favourite Jane Beatrice Ejim
    Report
    May 19th 2015, 10:48 PM

    sorry my comment was meant for another page . apologies to the family of Derek

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jane Beatrice Ejim
    Favourite Jane Beatrice Ejim
    Report
    May 19th 2015, 10:44 PM

    my fear is that in the near future there is going to be referendum for equal right of marriage of a man or woman to his pet, either dog or cat , in the name of equality . it will always take a man and woman for a child to be born, whether born by testtube , surrogacy, or any future term.

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.