Candy Devine remembered as an ‘inspiration’ following the death of legendary broadcaster The Irish News

Tributes were paid to the former Radio Śródmieście sender Candy Devinewho died at the age of 85.

The Australian DJborn in Cairns in north Queensland, he was one of the first Downtown presenters when the station launched in the north in 1976.

The renowned musician and singer Candy – real name Faye Guivarra – appeared on stage Australian TV before moving to Ireland in 1969, including appearances on the popular Skippy the Bush Kangaroo show.

After she arrived Irelandshe moved to Belfast in 1975 after marrying promoter Donald McLeod.

Candy hosted her Downtown show for 35 years and became a listener favorite before retiring in 2013.

The following year she received the award MBE for services to broadcasting and to the Community in Northern Ireland.

After her husband’s death, Candy returned to Australia.

She left behind four children, including Alastair McLeod, a famous Brisbane chef.

In a statement, Downtown’s chief content officer Stuart Robinson said he grew up listening to Candy’s show and said it was a “great honor” to work with her.

“Candy was a household name on radio in Northern Ireland, having worked at Downtown from its premiere in 1976 until her retirement in 2013.” – he said.

“Candy was a great broadcaster and communicator and was an inspiration to many aspiring broadcasters as they rose through the radio industry.”

Former Downtown newsreader and Sky News senior Irish correspondent David Blevins described her in the post as a “woman saint” and added: “I will cherish the memories of our banter.”

Former Downtown presenter John Rosborough said of Candy in a social media post: “A wonderful colleague and outstanding broadcaster, she was loved by her local audience and was greatly missed when she returned to Australia to be with her family. I send them my deepest condolences at this saddest moment.”