Funeral of BBC Scotland presenter Nick Sheridan takes place

Nick Sheridan passed away after a short illness on Thursday, March 7.

Originally from Wexford in Ireland, the 32-year-old reported for Ireland's national broadcaster RTÉ News, before moving to Glasgow and presenting and reporting for STV News and BBC News.

He is best known for presenting Drivetime, Lunchtime Live, Good Morning Scotland, Seven Days and The Sunday Show.

The broadcaster's funeral took place in his home town in Ireland today.

Family members and mourners arrived for a mass at St Ibar's Church this morning.

Following his death, tributes flocked in for the young journalist.

Columnist Kirsty Strickland said: "Absolutely heartbreaking news.

"Nick was such a huge talent. He was a good man - always wickedly funny and unfailingly kind. Sending love to all of his friends, family and colleagues at this awful time."

Meanwhile, STV News reporter Oliver Wright said: "Nick was one of the most talented people I’ve ever met, let alone worked with. He had an ability to capture the attention and imagination of a room instantly - and did it with a smile.

"My thoughts are with my old Radio Scotland family today. We’ve lost a friend."

BBC Scotland presenter Andrew Black was among the mourners at St Ibar's.

Nick was described as humble, kind, a gifted broadcaster and singer.

Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon described Sheridan as “talented, vivacious, and full of potential”.

The parish priest told mourners gathered at St Ibar’s Church in Castlebridge on Wednesday that the BBC Scotland team were watching the mass on a livestream organised by Sheridan’s friends.

During the eulogy, Sheridan’s older brother Brian described him as a “talented and generous soul” who was “a calming voice” in the family but who also “loved the craic the most”.

He added: “Nick epitomised everything that is good in life – family, friendship, creativity, and most of all kindness.”

He said the family were “so proud” of the journalist’s career success.

He added: “Despite Nick’s humility, his creative talents knew no bounds. An accomplished author, Nick’s fifth book will be released in the coming months.

“He spent every free moment of his childhood typing up and hand-delivering local news bulletins and creating short stories, all of which contributed to his success as an author in recent years.

“He was as much at home in the kitchen arguing over political correctness with dad as he was grilling an unfortunate guest on the couch of Seven Days or the Nine.

“Singing and music were Nick’s greatest gifts, whether performing the lead role in stage musicals or singing in this church at Christmas, his talent shone through and never failed to capture his audience.”

He said friendship was “incredibly important” to Sheridan, and every friend he had was “valued and cherished”.

The journalist’s brother added: “To Nick’s friends gathered here today, know that however much you loved him, you were loved back as much and more.

“Our family has lost its guiding star, but we are so grateful to have had Nick in our lives for 32 years.

“His star will continue to shine brightly down on us and we will never forget the amazing person he was and is.”

The Seamus Heaney poem The Given Note was read out during the funeral mass, marking the interest both sides of Sheridan’s family have for music and the written word.

During the prayers of the faithful, the staff at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow were mentioned for the care they gave to Sheridan, as were the students at the University of the West of Scotland where he had lectured.

Prayers were also offered for peace around the world, particularly in Ukraine, the Holy Land and other conflicts.