Tributes continue to pour in for Donegal radio legend Pio McCann who passed away yesterday.
During his many years behind the microphone, Pio helped launched the careers of many of Ireland’s music stars.
Irish country music star Nathan Carter took to Facebook to share a personal tribute.
He wrote: “Very sorry to hear of the passing of the great Pio McCann. Pio was a great promoter of country music in Donegal and further afield and i had the pleasure of being invited to appear on many Highland Radio concerts alongside him. I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to Pio’s family & friends. RIP”
‘Queen of Country’ Philomena Begley said: “Pio was a great friend and did so much good work for all of us Country Artistes.
Today, We have lost another great person and a great friend. Rest in peace Pio and Thank You for all the love and support you afforded me and Aidan over the years. Until we meet again x”
One of Pio’s closest friends, former Highland Radio presenter Shaun Doherty, said he owed so much to the late Mr McCann.
“I owe so much to him throughout my career on Highland Radio but much more for his love and kindness to me through our friendship of over 30 years. My love and prayers to his wife and best friend Rae and his adored children, Nicholas, Conor, Allison, Diane, Coleen and Aaron, Daughter in law Joanne, Sons in Law Ollie, Brendan and Conor and wider family circle, also to his many friends and of course his Highland Family and loyal listeners. May his gentle Soul Rest in Peace.”
Singer Lisa McHugh said Pio was the man who gave her a chance to become something.
She wrote “In life we all need just one person that’s willing to give you a chance and have faith in you and for me that person was Pio McCann. My very first performance in front of a large audience was at a Highland Radio show in Glasgow back in 2008 and from that performance, Highland Radio and especially Pio had my back.
“He played my music before anyone knew who “Lisa McHugh” was. He supported me and gave me so many opportunities over the years and he was definitely a huge part of how I got to where I am today which I will always be immensely grateful for. My deepest sympathies go out to Pio’s wife Rae and all of the family and also all of his Highland Radio family. Rest in peace Pio.”
Jimmy Stafford, President of the Letterkenny Chamber and DJ posted: “Sad news this morning on the passing of #PioMcCann. A true professional & legend in the radio world , he gave me so many laughs on a Wed evening when he arrived to take over at 9pm on Highland Road. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
Letterkenny businessman and councillor Ciaran Brogan said: “We had the pleasure of having The Pio Mc Cann outside broadcast on so many great occasions and he brought so much energy and passion to local radio.
“He gave so many musicians the platform to express their great talent on the airwaves.
“Such a great individual that was larger than life in so many ways, his real warmth to everyone he met along the way,
“Thanks for all the great memories Pio and May you rest in peace.”