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Gay 'Gaybo' Byrne (born August 5, 1934) is an Irish broadcaster. He presented The Late Late Show, the world's longest running chat show, from 1962 until 1999, and a regular afternoon radio show which is credited with breaking many Irish social taboos, such as bringing topics like abortion into the public domain. Few would disagree that for many years he was a legendary figure amongst the Irish people and he has been referred to as "the most famous man in Ireland".Gabriel Mary Byrne was born in Dublin. After being educated at Synge Street he entered the world of insurance. In 1958 he moved to broadcasting when he became a presenter on Radio Éireann. He also worked with Granada TV and the BBC in England. In 1961 Telifís Éireann (later RTÉ) was set up. He finally worked exclusively for the new Irish service. He introduced many popular programmes such as Jack Pot, Film Night and the Rose of Tralee. However, his most popular and successful programme was the Late Late Show.
On July 6, 1962, the very first episode of the Late Late Show was aired. Originally the show started as an eight week summer filler. The programme, which is still running, has become the world's longest running chat show. The show became a forum where controversial topics such as the Church, contraception and hitherto taboo subjects were discussed openly in Ireland. The show had much to do in shaping the new Ireland that was emerging from the 1960s. Byrne himself was not a radical social reformer, however the show and its guests had a radical effect on the people of Ireland. On September 13September 13 is the 256th day of the year (257th in leap years). There are 109 days remaining in the year. Events 533 Belisarius and the Roman Empire defeat Gelimer and the Vandals at the Battle of Ad Decimium. 1440 Gilles de Rais is taken into custody up, 19851985 is a common year starting on Tuesday. Events January events January 1 Creation of the Internet's Domain Name System. January 17 British Telecom annouces they are going to abolish the famous red telephone boxes. January 23 A debate in the House of Lor, the programme returned to a Friday night slot.
Gay Byrne was also a successful radio broadcaster. He is best remembered for his two hour morning show, The Gay Byrne Show ( 19721972 is a leap year starting on Saturday (click link for calendar). Events January events January 2 the Pierre Hotel Heist Six men rob the safety deposit boxes of the Pierre Hotel in New York City. Loot is at least $4 million January 5 President of the Un- 1999For the album by Prince, see 1999 (album 1999 is a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar), and was designated the International Year of Older Persons by the UN. Events Kosovo War Former child star Gary Coleman files for bankruptcy Y2K prep). In the early nineties he cut down on his work load. Joe DuffyJoe Duffy (born 1956, Dublin) presents RTE's radio show LiveLine which is broadcast on Mondays to Fridays between 13. 45 on RTE Radio 1. In his student days a well known left wing radical, his cajoling and encouraging of sob stories has made him one of Ir, another popular Irish radio broadcaster, was brought in as co-host of The Gay Byrne Show. In 19941994 is a common year starting on Saturday, and was designated the International year of the Family''. Events January events January 1 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) goes into effect January 6 Nancy Kerrigan is clubbed on the right leg by an he retired from presenting the annual Rose of Tralee festival after 17 years. On May 21May 21 is the 141st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (142nd in leap years). There are 224 days remaining. Events 996 Sixteen year old Otto III is crowned Holy Roman Emperor. 1674 John Sobieski is elected by the nobility to be the King of Poland., 1999, he presented his last ever Late Late Show after handing the reins to arch rival Pat Kenny. Bono gifted a Harley Davidson motorcycle to Byrne on his last night hosting the Late Late Show. The bike was later auctioned for charity. The show continues with Pat Kenny as host. Uncle Gaybo has not completely disappeared from our screens however. He has hosted the Irish version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and a series about comedy in Ireland. He also appears on radio occasionally.
Gay Byrne is married to Kathleen Watkins , a well-known harpist and singer. Gay has won numerous television awards and has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Trinity College in Dublin. In 1989 he wrote his autobiography entitled The Time of My Life. In 1999 he was awarded the freedom of Dublin City.
Byrne, Gay
Byrne, Gay
