Tom Byrne, a familiar voice to listeners across the Midwest, has died peacefully at his home in Sligo, Ireland, on March 22, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was 82. For decades, Byrne was a central figure at Midwest Radio, a station he helped build into a regional institution. His passing marks the end of an era for the station and the communities it serves.
Born in Knock, County Mayo, Byrne began his broadcasting career in the 1960s, joining Midwest Radio shortly after its founding in 1989. He quickly became known for his warm delivery, his deep knowledge of local affairs and his unwavering commitment to community journalism. He wasn’t just a newsreader; he was a storyteller, connecting with listeners through his genuine interest in their lives. The impact of Tom Byrne on Midwest Radio and the wider region is immeasurable.
Byrne’s career spanned significant changes in Irish society and the media landscape. He navigated the transition from a largely agrarian economy to a more diversified one, reporting on the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities. He covered countless local elections, festivals, and sporting events, becoming a trusted source of information for generations of listeners. He is survived by his wife, Ann Hopper Byrne, and their five children: Thomas, Caroline, Ann-Marie, Jacqueline, and Irene.
A Life Dedicated to Local News
Midwest Radio, serving counties Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon, and Leitrim, has been a cornerstone of regional broadcasting in Ireland. The station’s website, midwestradio.ie, currently features a tribute to Byrne, reflecting the deep respect held for him by his colleagues. Details of his life, as shared by his family, reveal a man deeply rooted in his community. He was predeceased by his parents, John Joe and Julia, and brothers Dominick, Henry, and Eamon, as well as his baby granddaughter, Carla.
Beyond his professional life, Byrne was a devoted family man. He is also survived by his brothers Bernie and John, sisters Noreen and Margaret, daughter-in-law Anna Faye, sons-in-law Peter Mullan, Gary Burns, Kevin Mellett, and John Fleming, and eleven grandchildren: Ronan, Elena, Brian, Art, Olive, Ethan, Leila, Noah, Bonnie, Bria, and Frank. The family’s announcement, published by The Foley and McGowan Funeral Home, highlights the breadth of his connections and the profound loss felt by those who knew him.
Funeral Arrangements and Remembrance
Reposing at his home at 10 Wren Rd, Kevinsfort, Sligo, on Tuesday, March 24th, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm, the family has invited those wishing to pay their respects to do so. The funeral will arrive at The Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception, Sligo, on Wednesday, March 25th, at 11:30am for Requiem Mass. Following the Mass, the cortege will proceed to St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Scarden, for burial.
For those unable to attend in person, the Requiem Mass will be live-streamed from the Cathedral. The live feed can be accessed at https://sligocathedral.ie/live-feed-from-cathedral/. This allows friends, former colleagues, and listeners from across the region and beyond to participate in the service.
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to North West Hospice, care of The Foley and McGowan Funeral Home, Market Yard, Sligo. Further details and a book of condolence are available on the funeral home’s website: https://www.sligofuneralhome.ie/tom-byrne/. The online book provides a space for those wishing to share memories and express their sympathy.
The Legacy of a Midwest Voice
Tom Byrne’s career coincided with a period of significant growth and change for Midwest Radio. Founded by local entrepreneurs, the station quickly established itself as a vital source of news, information, and entertainment for the region. Byrne’s ability to connect with listeners on a personal level was a key factor in the station’s success. He understood the importance of local stories and the power of radio to bring communities together.
His colleagues remember him as a dedicated professional, a mentor to younger journalists, and a true gentleman. While the station has not yet released a formal statement detailing plans for a lasting tribute, it is expected that Midwest Radio will honor Byrne’s legacy in the coming weeks. The station’s commitment to local news and community engagement will undoubtedly continue to reflect the values that Byrne championed throughout his career.
The passing of Tom Byrne leaves a void in the hearts of many. His voice, his warmth, and his dedication to the Midwest region will be deeply missed. The funeral on Wednesday will be a time for family, friends, and the community to come together and celebrate a life well-lived.
Following the funeral, the family has requested privacy. Further updates regarding any memorial events will be posted on The Foley and McGowan Funeral Home website. Listeners wishing to share their memories of Tom Byrne are encouraged to do so on social media using the hashtag #TomByrneMidwestRadio.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories of Tom Byrne in the comments below. We encourage respectful dialogue as we collectively remember a remarkable broadcaster and a valued member of the community.
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