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.
"He was the master, a once off and the likes of which we will never see again"
- Ryan TubridyGay Byrne 1934 - 2019 pic.twitter.com/8gj6MS6FuX
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) November 4, 2019
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 was someone who exuded warmth and presence, who was possessed of effortless wit, charm and who had a flair for broadcasting."
Statement by President Higgins on the death of Gay Byrne: https://t.co/P3WbkIDiqi
(Photo: RTÉ) pic.twitter.com/OJ22xYcttE— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) November 4, 2019
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":
Gay Byrne was the most influential broadcaster in the history of the State, a much-loved figure who changed Ireland for the better in so many ways. I knew him when he was Chairman of @RSAIreland and saw the effectiveness of his campaign against the needless tragedy of road deaths
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) November 4, 2019
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.
There will be a special live edition of The Late Late Show in tribute to Gay Byrne tomorrow, Tuesday night at 9.35pm on @RTEOne pic.twitter.com/YX4VcM0K6h
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) November 4, 2019
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.
