Tributes paid to former Tindle Radio MD Albert FitzGerald

Albert FitzGerald, the former Midlands 103 broadcaster and Tindle Radio managing director has died at the age of 59.

The presenter and businessman’s death was announced by his family on Saturday evening. FitzGerald was born in Cork and became a leading figure in the Irish radio industry,

Albert was a supporter of many innovations in the Irish radio industry including the training body Learning Waves, Independent Broadcasters of Ireland and IRS Plus in Dublin, where he was also a director.

He achieved multiple awards during his career, including a PPI National Radio Award for documentary broadcasting and commercial production accolades, notably the National Love Radio Award for Best Creative Scriptwriting.

A native of Cork, Albert was also a well-known and popular figure in the Midlands business community, voted Business Person of the Year by the Tullamore Chamber of Commerce in 2012 and was subsequently named Business Person of the Year for Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford in 2013.

After starting his commercial radio career at Cork pirate ERI, Albert joined Midlands 103 in 1995 as Sales Director, before taking on the top job nine years later. In 2013 he became Group Managing Director of the wider Tindle Radio Group.

Danny Cammiade, CEO of Tindle Newspapers, paid tribute to Albert. He said: “Positive in everything he did, Albert’s contribution to our radio business and its success reflected his drive and energy. We all respected his leadership, trusted his judgement in leading the business and admired the determination he showed to make a positive difference.

“Always offering a whirlwind of ideas and solutions to every challenge he came across, his legacy within our radio business will live on in the good hands of the people he trained and loved. The deepest sympathies of the Tindle family and the board are with Albert’s family at this difficult time.”

The Tullamore and District Rotary Club said, “It is with immense sadness and the heaviest of hearts that the club acknowledges the passing of our Founding President Albert FitzGerald.

“He has been the driver of many successful club projects and fundraisers, and his drive and determination inspired us all. Above all though, he is remembered as a valued mentor and treasured friend. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h’anam dílis.”