By Jake Jones
Considered by many as the voice of Yorkshire cricket, Dave Callaghan, 53 was taken ill on Friday night and tragically died on Monday of a suspected heart attack. Callaghan worked at the BBC and held a broad range of communications jobs at the Rugby Football League, covered Leeds United as well as commentating on Harrogate Town.
It is with great sadness that The Yorkshire County Cricket Club has learned that Dave Callaghan has passed away https://t.co/zhih1Pv5Ci pic.twitter.com/44JNlICiv6
— Yorkshire CCC (@YorkshireCCC) March 12, 2018
Dave’s passion was unparalleled and his commentary will forever be associated with some of the greatest moments in Yorkshire’s modern history.
Tributes have been flooding in for the ex-South African international since his passing on Monday, raving of his witty nature and described as “one of the nicest men in broadcasting.”
I am stunned and hugely saddened by the death of Dave Callaghan today. Without doubt one of the nicest men in broadcasting. A true gentleman and a total pro. Deeply loved and admired by all. I am honoured to have known him. He had a nickname for us all. I was DT. RIP DC
— Derm Tanner (@tannerman774) March 12, 2018
In a touching moment, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire held a minute’s silence in Callaghan’s memory in the warm-up game for the new county season on April 13 in Potchefstroom, South Africa.
🎥 Both Yorkshire & Notts stood for a minute's silence this morning to remember @BBCRadioLeeds commentator Dave Callaghan – RIP Dave.#YourYorkshire pic.twitter.com/lbInBPTZJe
— Yorkshire CCC (@YorkshireCCC) March 13, 2018
Callaghan kindly took part in this year’s Journalism task at Leeds Trinity University for its first years to produce a five minute television show and one of the presenters, Tom Atherton sent out a touching tweet of his experience with the veteran broadcaster during their short time on camera together;
I was lucky enough to interview the voice of Yorkshire Cricket, Dave Callaghan at @LeedsTrinity last year and I’m saddened to hear of his passing.
Even though we spent a brief time together after the interview, his words of advice were extremely poignant.
Rest in peace, Dave. pic.twitter.com/ysrmkDeR13
— Tom Atherton (@Athers32) March 12, 2018
Callaghan has not only been remembered by those at Yorkshire County Cricket Club but across all forms of broadcasting in Yorkshire. BBC Radio Leeds presenter, Gareth Jones said;
The toughest broadcast I have ever had to do. I hope we did you proud Cally. @YorkshireCCC #yccc https://t.co/DGAXnFwn8c
— Gareth Jones (@garethjones25) March 13, 2018
Speaking exclusively with Yorkshire Voice, Yorkshire Post’s Sports Editor, Nick Westby gave insight into what Dave Callaghan was like as a broadcaster and the perceptions of him around Yorkshire;
“He was one of the genuine good guys of the industry, always had a kind word for colleague or journalistic rival.”
The mere fact that he was willing to share his expertise whether that be for a fellow journalist working alongside him or at a competitor shows the real character of who he was.”
Westby went on to describe Callaghan as “undoubtedly the voice of Yorkshire Cricket and was respected enormously by players and staff alike.”
With Westby’s glowing representation of Callaghan as a person ringing true in people’s ears, the tributes are sure to continue to stream in to Yorkshire CCC in the coming weeks in memory of the great broadcaster.