IRISH RTE chat show legend and Late, Late Show host Gay Byrne has died aged 85 today.
The veteran broadcaster, who hosted the programme for more than 30 years, died after a long illness.
Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar today led tributes to the iconic TV and radio host, who died peacefully at home.
Mr Varadkar tweeted: “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.
“On radio and on television over so many decades ‘Uncle Gaybo’ provided a voice for all those who had been silenced or were afraid to speak up, and helped us confront things that needed to be changed.”
Piers Morgan hailed him as “Ireland’s greatest broadcaster”, with Eamonn Holmes praising Byrne as “the broadcaster we all wanted to be”.
In a statement released today, Byrne’s family said the broadcast colossus died surrounded by relatives.
His family said: “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.”
Byrne, who was regarded by millions as the face of Irish television, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016.
He hosted the first episode of the Late, Late, Show in Juy, 1962 and was the programme’s presenter for 37 years.
RTÉ director general, Dee Forbes hailed him as “an exceptional broadcaster”.
She said: “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’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.”
During his time on the Late, Late Show he hosted discussions on controversial topics like divorce, abortion, sexuality and The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
He won fans for his easy-going interview style, and also presented a long-running show on RTE Radio 1, the Gay Byrne Show.
Byrne, who died in Howth surrounded by his family, was described as a man “of great charisma” by Ireland’s president Michael D Higgins.
Mr Higgins added: “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.
Gay Byrne was someone who exuded warmth and presence, who was possessed of effortless wit, charm and who had a flair for broadcasting
Irish President, Michael Higgins
“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.”
The Late, Late Show is now one of the world’s longest running chat shows.
Byrne hosted his final show in 1999, a year after retiring from his radio programme.
Fianna Fail Leader Micheal Martin said Mr Byrne had “left an indelible mark…on Irish society as a whole”
He added: “Through his radio programme and TV shows, including his 37 years as host of The Late Late Show, Gay was a feature in Irish homes the length and breadth of the country.
“Through his radio programme and TV shows, including his 37 years as host of The Late Late Show, Gay was a feature in Irish homes the length and breadth of the country.
“His intellect and emotional intelligence was unparalleled and his ability to sensitively approach delicate and sometimes controversial issues set him apart from other presenters.
“Gay Byrne was a rare treasure who touched the lives, not only of his family and friends, but the hundreds of thousands of people who welcomed him into their lives and their homes on the radio and TV.”
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