KILLARNEY Festival of Music and Food have announced they will honour the late Tony Fenton by naming a stage in memory of the late broadcaster who passed away last month.

The Tony Fenton Stage, which will be hosted in a big top marquee, will feature acts and music that Tony loved including The Undertones with his good friend and Today FM colleague Paul McLoone.

Other artists appearing include Father John Misty, Something Happens, Walking on Cars, Kormac’s Big Band, Mundy, Booka Brass Band, KSYRAN, David Lyttle, Gangs, Guila plus more to be announced.

Tony loved music and unknown to many, worked behind the scenes with the festival promoters for the past four years suggesting bands and coming up with creative ideas while also lending his legendary voice to the festival’s radio and tv adverts.

Nicola Watkins, PR Director for the Killarney Festival said;  “We really miss Tony.  We were so honoured that Tony was with us on  January 20 to host the launch of the Killarney Festival of Music & Food’s in L’Ecrivain Restaurant as it was his last public appearance.  Tony was a massive supporter of the Westport Festival of Music & Food and he was very excited about the festival’s move to Killarney this year – he told all his friends he would be there  – however now he will be with us in spirit and always in our memories.”

Paul McLoone of The Undertones said; “It’s so sad that Tony won’t be around for the Killarney Festival. He was really looking forward to June, and we spoke about it many times towards the end of his life. It’s very fitting that a stage bear his name, not only as a reflection of his close connection to the festival, and a mark of the great esteem in which he was held, but also as a reminder of what a great supporter of Irish music he was. I’ll be proud and honoured to lead The Undertones onto the Tony Fenton Stage at this year’s Killarney Festival, knowing that somehow, somewhere the great man will be giving it the Nod Of Respect.”

The Festival takes place at Killarney House Demesne, on  June 27-28.