Farewell to Ed Smith: A Cheeky Tribute to a Radio Legend
Ah, the bittersweet symphony of leaving a job. Ed Smith, the beloved radio DJ and podcaster from Kilcorney, Cork, has decided to hang up his headphones after an impressive **25 years** at Today FM. I don’t know about you, but 25 years in one place is either a sign of commitment—or a reason to call a therapist!
“Hello all! After 25 life changing, craic having, friend finding and above all, radio making years, my time with Today FM is coming to an end,” Ed announced on X. A fitting tribute to a career that sounds like it was narrated by a particularly enthusiastic leprechaun!
Smith expressed gratitude for the **“countless colleagues that endured and inspired me”**, stating that they were, are, and will always be the **“heart and soul”** of Today FM. Given that I’ve made it through only two years of office politics, I commend that level of endurance. You could practically start a support group for anyone who’s been stuck in a room with a particularly narcissistic boss!
During his time on air, particularly with Today FM Rocks With Ed Smith, he charmed listeners with a combination of wit, warmth, and an endless supply of anecdotes. He called it **“the greatest job in the world,”** which says a lot considering he didn’t even mention a secret stash of donuts in the break room!
And who could resist a heartfelt farewell filled with words like “gas and glorious crew”? Thank you for letting us into your ears—what a delightful way to put it! Most people only let in the earwax!
Ed’s journey took a dramatic turn in 2019 after a heart attack brought both a literal and figurative wake-up call. He emerged healthier, wiser, and with a beautiful son, Micheál, to show for it. Remember folks, if you’re going to have a heart attack, make sure you come out of it with a piece of wisdom and not just a medical bill!
As news of his departure rippled through the radio and podcasting industry, colleagues and friends unified in tributes. Music podcaster Dave Hanratty, reminiscing about their time together, mustered up all the nostalgia, saying it was a **“literal teenage dream come true.”** Talk about pressure for Ed’s next gig—how do you top that? Perhaps DJing at a kids’ birthday party for the next generation of rock stars?
Even Today FM’s Sunday Business Show host, Conall Ó Móráin, chimed in with **“One of the very good guys.”** A true compliment in the world of media. But let’s face it, “very good” is just a step away from “He could teach a hedgehog to tango.” High praise indeed!
Tom Dunne, Newstalk host and former Today FM stalwart, succinctly summed up the sentiment with a simple, **“sorry to hear Ed.”** Oh, Tom, don’t be too hard on yourself; we all know goodbyes aren’t easy—especially when there’s cake involved!
As we raise a glass (or a cup of tea, if you prefer), let’s send Ed Smith off into the sunset with a hearty laugh, a few nostalgic tears, and the hope that his next adventure is as thrilling as a surprise bank holiday. Cheers to you, Ed! May your next chapter be even more gas and glorious!
After an impressive 25-year tenure at the station, the beloved radio DJ and podcaster, aged 47, hailing from Kilcorney in County Cork, has announced his imminent departure from Today FM, marking the end of an era.
In a heartfelt message shared on X, Smith reflected nostalgically, stating, “Hello all! After 25 life-changing, craic-having, friend-finding, and above all, radio-making years, my time with Today FM is coming to an end.”
Expressing deep gratitude, Smith dedicated a touching shout-out “to the countless colleagues that endured and inspired me,” emphasizing their unwavering role as “the heart and soul of it all.”
With heartfelt sincerity, he declared, “Most of all I want to thank the listeners,” underscoring the vital role they played in his program, Today FM Rocks With Ed Smith.
Describing his experience at the station, he called it “the greatest job in the world,” adding that the remarkable opportunity to connect with listeners was “a joy that will fill my heart forever.”
He expressed his appreciation for his audience with warmth, saying, “You were a gas and glorious crew, and thank you again for letting me into your ears over all the years.”
Reflecting on his journey, he concluded with a heartfelt note, “I loved every mad and magnificent minute of it. Much love forever.”
Smith notably faced a significant health challenge in 2019 when he suffered a heart attack after attending the renowned Electric Picnic festival. Remarkably, he welcomed his second child, a son named Micheál, into the world less than two years later, symbolizing a new chapter in his life.
In a candid interview with the Sunday World in 2021, he reflected on his heart attack, stating, “I don’t want to harp on about it, but it did turn my life around in a positive way. I got healthier and there was a lot of maturing, a lot of growing up and a bit of perspective on who I was and where I was going. And look at me now.”
Following the announcement of Smith’s departure from Today FM, colleagues and friends from the radio and podcasting industry have flooded social media with tributes, reflecting on their shared experiences and the mark he has left in the industry.
Music podcaster Dave Hanratty expressed his admiration, saying that working alongside Smith to co-anchor a nu metal hour was “a literal teenage dream come true,” highlighting the fun and magical moments they shared on air.
In a touching message, Hanratty acknowledged Smith’s impact, stating, “Others will say your legacy will be greater than this, but I think we both know the magic that was captured that night. Bravo on an incredible run and best of luck in the next chapter, sir,” showcasing the camaraderie and respect shared among peers in the industry.
Today FM’s Sunday Business Show host Conall Ó Móráin expressed his sentiments, describing Smith as “one of the very good guys” and shared how lovely it was to have worked with him throughout the years.
Additionally, former Today FM host and now Newstalk’s Tom Dunne expressed his condolences, mentioning he was “sorry to hear Ed,” while DJ Kelly-Anne Byrne remarked, “One of the soundest people in the industry, best of luck with everything Ed,” encapsulating the warmth and admiration felt across the airwaves for Smith’s legacy.