Simon Young (presenter) facts for kids

Thomas Meade (who passed away on October 31, 2021), was much better known as Simon Young. He was a popular Irish radio and television presenter. He worked for RTÉ 2fm, a well-known radio station.

Simon started his career in the 1970s. He worked in pirate radio and as a DJ. He hosted many TV shows, like The Beatbox. He also had his own radio shows on 2FM. Kids especially remember him from Dempsey's Den. This was a super popular children's TV show. His friend and colleague, Ian Dempsey, hosted it. Simon left RTÉ in 2002. He lived a very private life for many years after that.

Simon Young was easy to spot because of his cool moustache. He grew it when he was just 15 years old! He saw people with moustaches in the RTÉ Guide who worked at RTÉ. His friend, DJ Tony Fenton, used to call him "Simes."

Simon Young's Career Highlights

Simon Young had a fun career in radio and TV. He was known for his energy and making people laugh.

Early Radio Days

In the late 1980s, Simon hosted a show called Simon's Choice. It was also known as Simon's Saturday Choice. You could listen to it on Saturday mornings. A famous phrase from his show was, "Hey Simon, What toime is ittt?" This phrase became very popular.

The show was part of a marketing plan for the Bank of Ireland. They offered special "Fair Cards" to young people. These cards were for those under 26 who opened a "Choice" account.

Simon also helped the British band Bros get noticed. They had a small hit song called "When Will I Be Famous?". Simon gave them his approval, which helped them gain fans.

Fun on Radio and TV

Simon often filled in for Ian Dempsey on his shows. This included the famous children's TV show, Dempsey's Den, on RTÉ Two. He would often laugh so hard at Dustin the Turkey that he couldn't speak!

Simon had other radio shows too. These included The Beatbox and the 2FM Weekend Breakfast Show. He hosted the breakfast show on Saturdays and Sundays in the late 1990s. For a while, he also played a character named Jimmy. This was for a short segment called Jimmy's Slot on Ian Dempsey's breakfast show. He made the phrase "Ger owa dat garden!" very popular.

Simon left RTÉ in 2002 due to health challenges. The station continued to broadcast Ireland's Biggest Jukebox.

Later Years and Health

Simon returned to public life in July 2011. He gave an interview to Hot Press magazine. In August 2011, he appeared on RTÉ Radio 1's The John Murray Show. He spoke about his health struggles. The Irish Times newspaper called his interview a memorable "radio moment."

Simon Young's Passing

Simon Young passed away peacefully on October 31, 2021. He was 62 years old. His brother, Glenn, confirmed his passing. He had been ill for a long time. Many people, including DJ Ian Dempsey, shared their tributes to him. Simon is remembered by his wife, Phyl, his son, Nathan, and his daughter, Holly.