Gerry Ryan R.I.P., But Enough With The Tributes Programmes!

It has possibly been the biggest and saddest news in Ireland for 2010, even though this year is not over yet: Gerry Ryan, one of the most (if not THE most) famous radio broadcaster in Ireland, died at the age of 54.

I understand that all of Friday's and Saturday's radio and television programmes talked about and gave tribute to Gerry Ryan but when I switched on 2FM this morning and the radio presenter was still paying tribute to him, I said enough!

First of all, I want to say that my radio station of choice is not 2FM (which was Gerry Ryan's primary place of work) but TodayFM; I only listen to 2FM when Today FM has a sports or boring business programme on because for me, radio is about music and entertainment and I am just addicted to the two Rays (D'arcy and Foley), so I never used to listen to the Gerry Ryan show (which was on at the same time as the Ray D'Arcy Show).

So not being a fan of Gerry Ryan (I didn't say I didn't like him, I just did not know him that well) when the whole country is suddenly paying tributes to him, I suddenly feel very alone: am I the only person in Ireland who has had enough of everyone talking about him like he was their best friend even though they only knew him from a few television and radio programmes? Am I the only person around here who remembers the national uproar when he would not take a paycut? I clearly remember some people calling him a sleazebag back then but now that he is dead, suddenly he is a Saint?

As a reminder, here are a few hate links with comments of people who did not seem to have the slightest ounce of respect for the late Gerry Ryan (these do not reflect my own opinions, as I am not qualified enough to have one):
http://bocktherobber.com/2009/03/facebook-group-removed-gerry-ryan-is-a-complete-and-utter-wanker
http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/books/how-gerry-ryan-turned-into-mr-smug-1499629.html
http://twentymajor.net/2008/01/07/operation-transformation

I would like to say that I did not know the guy enough to say whether I liked him or not so don't misunderstand this post as another "I hate Gerry Ryan even though I don't even know the f***er" article, this post is just to say that 2 whole days of Gerry Ryan tributes are more than enough and it is way past time to get over this and get on with our lives!

P.S. I wonder who will replace Gerry Ryan on 2Fm though.