TRIBUTES are flooding in this evening after the death of popular Cardigan DJ ’Tommo’.
The Cardigan-born radio presenter hosted shows for Radio Cymru and Nation Radio, and was also a stadium announcer at Wales’ home football matches and at Parc y Scarlets rugby ground in Llanelli.
It was only in the last few days that he had he was planning to make a return to Radio Pembrokeshire and Radio Carmarthenshire.
Former colleague and manager Carl Hartley said Tommo was “a lovely person, a big personality with a massive heart.”
He went on to say: “He would light up a room whenever he walked in with his booming gruff voice.
“There was the creative and fun Tommo that brought a smile to everyone’s face, but he was also so sensitive and caring. His love for Donna and Cian shone through everytime he spoke about them.
Some of my best broadcasting memories involve him, from a spoof James Bond video to a sun dance in the rain in just a towel after a very wet summer in Pembrokeshire. He was totally mad.
“The entertainment world in Wales has lost such a talented man, who was taken from us far too soon.”
Marc Tierney, who also worked with Tommo said: “I’m very sorry to hear of the untimely passing of local legend.
“I first met Tommo when he joined Radio Pembrokeshire – I had to ‘manage’ him! – what seems like a very long time ago now. Words you could use to sum up Tommo – wild, caring and genuine.”
“He will be remembered fondly by so very many people across Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire but Donna and Cian – our thoughts are with you at this sad time.”
Scarlets posted this evening: “We are devastated to hear that the voice of Parc y Scarlets, Andrew ’Tommo’ Thomas has passed away suddenly. Tommo was a hugely popular figure as the Parc y Scarlets matchday announcer, a passionate Scarlets fan who brought his huge character and energy to every match.”
Former Nation Radio Sales Manager Kevin Hire said: “I think God has just won a Radio licence and wanted the best presenters to host the Breakfast show and Late night show on Heaven FM
“Because hes taken two of the best in a matter of days in Chris Needs and today. The world is a lesser place without you in it mate.
“We will all miss your larger than life character, you made the people who knew you feel special and loved. I hope and pray that you are cwtching your Dad tonight.,RIP my friend.”
More recently, Tommo had been doing promotional work for CK Foodstores. Richard Arnold, on behalf of CK Foodstores told said: “We were with him from 6.30am this morning though to 2pm. He was on amazing form, and we’ve hours of footage to prove it.
“We’ve been working with him for almost two years now, he was wonderful with our staff, our suppliers and our customers, and went way beyond what was asked of him at every turn.
“He will leave a huge hole in so many lives, not least ours.
“We were due to meet up on Thursday to record more material with another supplier.
“He left us at the top of his game, with a huge lust for life, and delighted to be back on the radio too.
“Our thoughts are with his wonderful family, and his legion of friends.”
The one-time local footballer launched his broadcasting career with Radio Ceredigion whilst still working as a postman in his home town.
Ceredigion MS Elin Jones said: “Such sad news of Tommo’s death.
“A natural radio DJ on Radio Ceredigion and Radio Cymru. He had a big voice and a big heart.
“Cardigan is a quieter town tonight.
“My thoughts are with his dear family.”
