Some of the biggest names in Irish broadcasting have welcomed the return to the airwaves this weekend of veteran DJ Simon Young.

Young was one of the best-known names on RTé 2fm in his day. The Dubliner's comedy character Jimmy cheered up the country decades before Gift Grub or Nob Nation.

However, at the height of his popularity in 2002, Young resigned from 2FM after suffering a breakdown and was later diagnosed with the nervous disorder peripheral neuropathy, which led to him spending much of the last seven years in and out of hospital.

Despite all this, Young will be back on the radio this morning presenting his own show from 11am to 2pm on station Hot Country 88.1 and 104.2.

The 49-year-old told the Sunday Tribune: "I never thought I would make it back. I have to acknowledge the help of a lot of people including my old boss John Clarke at RTé, who got me back to where I wanted to be. This is a huge step for me. Going back on air is amazing."

Among those delighted with Young's return to broadcasting was former 2FM colleague Gerry Ryan, who said: "The first I heard about it was when Ian Dempsey texted me last weekend to say 'The Simon' is back on the radio. As a DJ, Simon is straight out of the film The Boat That Rocked. He went through such a rough patch, it's great he's back on air."

Pat Kenny joined in the tributes: "I am absolutely over the moon that Simon Young is back on the radio. He is and remains a huge comic talent."

Young's long-time friend, Today FM presenter Ian Dempsey, said simply: "There is something very uplifting about hearing Simon Young back on the radio."

The man responsible for Young's return to the airwaves was Hot Country's director of programmes Jim Kenny who approached the DJ about presenting a weekend show with the station. "I am so glad I did it because Simon has been a huge inspiration to everybody at the station," said Kenny.

Young said going back to be a DJ has helped him forget some of the low points he suffered in the last seven years.

Speaking on the breakdown which saw him resign from 2fm, Young said: "There was a lot of pressure in my life. I was juggling too many things."

As well as being diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, the DJ suffers from transient ischemic attacks (TIA), a condition marked by strokes that last only a few minutes.

"The lowest point for me was when my weight increased to 27 stone and I was treated in Blanchardstown hospital for fluid retention.

"I felt lost and very confused. But now, thank God, as a result of modern medicine and excellent consultants and grassroots-level people I can honour my commitments to life to the best of my ability. It's great to be back on the radio."