FORMER presenter of the popular Irish television series Quicksilver, Bunny Carr, has died at the age of 91.
Carr, born and raised in Clontarf, Dublin, joined Telifis Eireann when it launched on New Year’s Eve in 1961.
He went on to host some of the station’s most popular shows throughout the 60’s, including Quicksilver, Going Strong, The Life Game, The Politicians, The Person in Question and Encounter.
In 1970, he left RTE to work as Director of the Catholic Communications Centre before setting up his own PR company, Carr Communications, which is still in operation today.
He will be fondly remembered for coining the phrase ‘stop the lights’ during his time on the show Quicksilver.
Quicksilver was a quiz show that ran from 1965 to 1981.
The show was broadcast each week from a different Irish town, with a live audience.
Competitors were selected from the audience by drawing numbered tickets, prompting many amusing exchanges as they competed for small monetary prizes.
Musical accompaniment was provided by organist Norman Metcalfe, who frequently provided musical hints to the answers.
Communications consultant Terry Prone has paid tribute to Bunny Carr, describing him as a "pioneer of media training".
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Ms Prone said Bunny Carr worked first at the Catholic Communications Centre to train nuns and priests "to be competent on radio and TV" before establishing Carr Communications.
Members of the media have also been paying tribute to the much-loved tv personality.
RIP Bunny Carr . A hugely popular RTE presenter. Here's a great piece from @RTEArchives on a Quicksilver Charity Special https://t.co/S6paj7ZyCR
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) September 20, 2018
The man who brought us that very Irish phrase Stop The Lights! #BunnyCarr https://t.co/tsIAITAXhc via @IrishTimes
— Róisín Ingle (@roisiningle) September 20, 2018
Very sorry to hear Bunny Carr has died. One of the first interviews I ever conducted was with Bunny, and he was an absolute gent. #illhavea2pquestionBunny
— Con Murphy (@ConMurphySport) September 20, 2018
#BunnyCarr who has passed away at 91. A gent pic.twitter.com/RVnmGjHHMT
— Marty Whelan (@martylyricfm) September 20, 2018
Carr died on Wednesday in Howth in Dublin and his funeral mass will be held on Saturday in St Fintan’s Church, Sutton, Co Dublin.
He is survived by his daughters Carolyn and Philo and son Alan.
His wife Joan passed away in 2005.
