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Gay Byrne Has Died At The Age Of 85

Gay Byrne has died at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife, broadcaster Kathleen Watkins, two d...
Niall Colbert
Niall Colbert

2:50 PM - 4 Nov 2019



Gay Byrne Has Died At The Age...

News

Gay Byrne Has Died At The Age Of 85

Niall Colbert
Niall Colbert

2:50 PM - 4 Nov 2019



Gay Byrne has died at the age of 85.

He is survived by his wife, broadcaster Kathleen Watkins, two daughters Suzy and Crona and grandson Cian.

Born in 1934, Gay Byrne would go on to forge a legendary career in Irish broadcasting, which touched the lives of millions.

President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to Mr. Byrne, saying his work challenged Irish society, and shone a light not only on the bright but also the dark sides of Irish life:

 

Gay Byrne started work as a newsreader and continuity announcer on Radio Éireann in the late 1950's before moving to Granada Television in Manchester, where he worked on a variety of shows, interviewing acts including The Beatles.

He came back to Ireland full time in the late 1960’s as presenter and producer of The Late Late Show.

The programme went on to become the world’s longest-running chat show.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says Uncle Gaybo will be remembered as "the most influential broadcaster in the history of the State":

A book of condolence will open at Dublin's Mansion House tomorrow.

The public will be able to sign the Book tomorrow from 11am-5pm and on Wednesday from 10am-5pm.

Meanwhile, a special live edition of the Late Late show will air tomorrow night in tribute of Gay Byrne.

RTÉ Director-General, Dee Forbes, today paid tribute to Mr. Byrne: “We are all greatly saddened by the passing of Gay Byrne who has been a household name in this country for so many years. Gay was an exceptional broadcaster whose unique and ground-breaking style contributed so much to the development of radio and television in this country. Gay’s journalistic legacy is as colossal as the man himself – he not only defined generations, but he deftly arbitrated the growth and development of a nation. Ireland grew up under Gay Byrne, and we will never see his like again. My deepest sympathies to Kathleen and his family.”

In 2004, The Irish Film & Television Awards awarded Gay Byrne with its lifetime achievement award.



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