Legendary RTÉ broadcaster Gay Byrne has died aged 85.
RTÉ confirmed the news in a tweet saying the broadcaster had been ill for some time:
The death has been announced of RTÉ broadcaster Gay Byrne. He was 85 and had been ill for some time. | https://t.co/fWGZqrGHqR https://t.co/kTRuH0QUDd
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) November 4, 2019
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".
Gay Byrne forged a legendary career in Irish broadcasting, which touched the lives of millions.
He started out with a 15 minute slot on Radio Eireann and went on to work in the UK for both Granada and the BBC, before landing his defining role as the Late Late Show host when it premiered in July 1962.
The show went on to give a platform for Irish artists such as U2, Sinead O'Connor and Boyzone and Gay remained at the helm of the Late Late Show until 1999.
Millions also brought the Dublin man 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.
