‘WE’LL NEVER FORGET HIM’
KERRY PAYS TRIBUTE TO BROADCASTING LEGEND AND FORMER ROSE HOST
TRIBUTES to Gay Byrne have flowed in from across Kerry following the iconic broadcaster’s death this week.
Byrne – who passed away on Monday, aged 85 – had close links to Kerry, thanks mainly to o his 20-year tenure as host of the Rose of Tralee, which he presented from 1974 to 1994.
The Rose of Tralee’s transformation into an annual TV spectacle – and eventually a national institution – was largely thanks to Mr Byrne who, in 1978, persuaded RTÉ that they should televise the event.
The ‘ talent spot’ that would became a staple of the contest was also Gay Byrne’s idea and it too was introduced in 1978.
Though he departed as Rose host in 1994 he remained closely involved in the Festival.
He returned as a judge for six years, from 1996 through to 2001, and was guest of honour at the Rose of Tralee’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2009.
Gay Byrne’s widow, Kathleen Watkins, was also a Rose compère – to this day she remains the only woman to host the event – standing in for her husband in 1977 after illness forced him into a brief hiatus from Festival duties.
The Rose of Tralee Festival said it was greatly saddened to hear of Mr Byrne’s passing.
“Gay’s loyalty to and friendship towards the Rose of Tralee Festival was truly exceptional and said so much about his generosity as a person and his commitment as a professional broadcaster. The people of Kerry will never forget his kindness and his supportsupport,”” said a statement issued by the festival office on Monday.
“Everybody associated with our Festival will miss him greatly. On behalf of the Festival and of the generations of people involved and Roses participating from around the world during his tenure, we send our deepest sympathy to his wife Kathleen, and to his children Crona and Suzy. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam,” said the Festival company.
Mr Byrne’s death has also been marked by Kerry County Council who, on Tuesday, opened two Books of Condolence at the local authority’s offices in Tralee at County Buildings in Rathass and in Killarney at the Town Hall.
The books are available for members of the public to sign during office hours.
Mayor of Kerry Cllr Niall Kelleher was among those to pay tribute to the late broadcaster, who he described as a great friend to the county.
“I wish to add my condolences to the family and friends of the late Gay Byrne. A friend of Kerry, not least through his role as host of the Rose of Tralee Festival for many years, Gay Byrne had many friends and connections in the county. He was a colossus of broadcasting and made a hugely positive impact on many people’s lives. May he rest in peace,” Mayor Kelleher told The Kerryman.