Legendary RTE broadcaster Gay Byrne has died aged 85

The death has been announced of RTÉ broadcaster Gay Byrne.

The veteran broadcaster (85) had been ill for some time. 

In a statement, his family said: "It is with sadness that Kathleen, Crona and Suzy wish to announce that their beloved Gay has died peacefully at home today, surrounded by his family.

"We wish to thank everybody for their love and support during Gay's illness. Particularly the wonderful teams in the Mater Hospital, St Francis Hospice and the Irish Cancer Society".

RTÉ Director-General Dee Forbes said Mr Byrne "was an exceptional broadcaster whose unique and ground-breaking style contributed so much to the development of radio and television in this country".

Ms Forbes said RTÉ is "greatly saddened" by the death of Mr Byrne "who has been a household name in this country for so many years.

She said Mr Byrne's journalistic legacy is "colossal". 

Broadcaster Ryan Tubridy said: "It is with enormous and profound sadness that I heard of the passing of my friend and mentor, Gay Byrne.

"He was the master, a once off and the likes of which we will never see again.

"I watched him as a child, worked alongside him as a young man and he guided me as I grew older and I will forever be indebted to him."

Struggling to hold his composure Joe Duffy told listerners to his afternoon LiveLine programme that Gay Byrne more so than any one individual represented modern Ireland and through his daily broadcasting on radio and television he propelled this country and its people forward.

"In no other country can one individual claim to have had such a positive impact on an entire nation over such a long period.

"Ireland is a better country thanks to Gay's lengthy career behind the microphone at the centre of public discourse."

"His death is heartbreaking but I, like so many, am very thankful for his life."

The Late Late Show first aired in 1962 and went on to become one of the world's longest running chat shows thanks to Byrne's relaxed but knowledgeable presentation style

Some notable guests on the show including former EU Commissioner Pádraig Flynn who spoke about his European salary and lifestyle and Annie Murphy, who had had a child with Bishop Eamonn Casey.

The iconic show also featured discussions on issues such as divorce, abortion and LGBTQ issues, which were then rarely spoken about on television. 

Gay also presented a long running radio show on RTE Radio 1, first known as the 'Gay Byrne Hour' and then the 'Gay Byrne Show'.

Ray D'Arcy described him as '"Olympic Gold" when it came to broadcasting and had "singlehandedly changed the face of broadcasting in Ireland." 

Presidenty Michael D Higgins said it was with "deep sadness" I have learned of the death of legendary broadcaster, Gay Byrne.

Having begun his career in broadcasting with Radio Éireann in 1958, he retained a love of radio as a medium. With the arrival of television he went on to become one of the most recognisable faces of Irish broadcasting, hosting one of the world’s longest running chat shows - The Late Late Show.

A man of great charisma, Gay Byrne was someone who exuded warmth and presence, who was possessed of effortless wit, charm and who had a flair for broadcasting.  This was combined with an innate gentleness as a person, professionalism and humour.

Through his work in radio and on television he challenged Irish society, and shone a light not only on the bright but also the dark sides of Irish life. In doing so, he became one of the most familiar and distinctive voices of our times, helping shape our conscience, our self-image, and our idea of who we might be.   Beyond compassion, which he had in abundance, he had a sense of what was just.

Sabina and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to his wife Kathleen, his daughters Suzy and Crona, his grandchildren, and all his friends and colleagues.”

National Union of Journalists general secretary, Seamus Dooley, said Gay Byrne was in many ways the father of public service broadcasting in Ireland.

"A broadcaster of courage, vison and boundless energy Gay Byrne helped shape modern Ireland and used his talents to help create a more caring, compassionate and inclusive society," he stated.

"He was often infuriating, annoying and provocative but Gay was never dull and in his career he brought light, laughter and humanity to television and radio debates."

"Gay believed in the precepts of public service broadcasting and his passion for RTÉ was reflected in every aspect of his career: from his early radio career, to the Late Late Show, his pioneering morning radio programme to his wonderful Sunday music and musings on Lyric FM. He especially enjoyed Lyric FM and the opportunity to share his love and knowledge of jazz.

The best way to honour Gay’s legacy is to remain faithful to the principles  which informed his work. We in the NUJ were proud of his membership of the union – he remained a fully paid up member throughout his life. We extend condolences to Kathleen, Suzy, Crona and Cian on his death."

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan TD, said: “He was the father of the nation. He spoke on behalf of the people and the impact he had on Irish society at a time of great social change, was phenomenal”, she said, adding “Ireland is a better place thanks to him. My condolences to his family and friends.  Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal.”

Former broadcaster, and current EU Parliament vice president, Mairead McGuinness, said: "It is with great sadness that I learned  today of the death of Gay Byrne with whom I had the pleasure of working alongside on the Late Late Show."
"Gay Byrne had a gift for his chosen career of broadcasting. He was a great listener. The debate was never about him and his most memorable interviews are those in which he said very little but allowed the interviewee to do all the talking. He had a powerful work ethic and kept a close eye on the smallest of details.
He absorbed a verbal briefing like no other and kept his research team on their toes for fear of disappointing him! Gay has left an enormous and very proud legacy to his family with whom I express my deepest condolences on his death, to his wife Kathleen, daughters Susie and Crona, and his extended family."