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Gay Byrne Has Died At The Age...

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Gay Byrne Has Died At The Age Of 85


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Gay Byrne

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, he would go on to forge a legendary career in Irish broadcasting, which touched the lives of millions.

Starting out with a 15 minute slot on Radio Eireann, he would go on to work in the UK for both Granada and the BBC, before landing his defining role.

Viewers were captivated - whether it was the Bishop and The Nightie scandal, Byrne's compassionate response to calling a competition winner whose daughter had just died, and the hosts refusal to shake Gerry Adams hand.

When Boyzone first came on the scene in 1993 Gay Byrne was the first to bring them onto The Late Late Show.

He interviewed some of the most famous people in the world including former Manchester United footballer George Best.

Byrne would also give a platform for Irish artists such as U2, Sinead O'Connor and Boyzone.

With Bono and Larry Mullen gifting him with a Harley-Davidson.

Gay Byrne would remain at the helm of the Late Late until 1999.

Millions would also allow the Dubliner into their homes through the airwaves, with the Gay Byrne Show running on RTE Radio 1 for 25 years, and Uncle Gaybo presenting other favourites such as Who Wants to be a millionaire, and the meaning of life.

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


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