“Every other broadcaster is forever in his shadow” Miriam O’Callaghan pays tribute to Gay Byrne

"Gay was the world's greatest broadcaster"

Ireland is a nation united in sadness today following the announcement of the death of Gay Byrne. Best known and loved as the host of The Late Late Show, Gay was widely acknowledged one of the most accomplished broadcasters, not only in Ireland but anywhere in the world – a sentiment which was echoed by his RTÉ colleague Miriam O'Callaghan. Speaking to Her, Miriam paid heartfelt tribute to her late friend this afternoon. "Gay was the world's greatest broadcaster ever," she said. "Every other broadcaster is forever in his shadow." Gay Byrne and Miriam O'Callaghan with Marty Whelan in 2010 Miriam, who has similarly covered everything from news to lifestyle across radio and television as well as hosting her own chat show, said that it was Gay's people skills that made him a unique talent and national treasure.

"A great listener, hugely empathetic, and with incredible courage, he changed our country forever in so many positive ways. I was also blessed to benefit from his great kindness and care down the years. Codladh sámh Gay."

Gay Byrne grew up in Dublin 8 and joined Raidió Eireann in the 1950s. After a stint working in the UK at Granada Television and the BBC, he returned to Ireland to become full time host of The Late Late Show – the world's longest-running chat show – in 1967. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, and daughters Crona and Suzy.