Liveline listeners have been left stunned after host Joe Duffy announced that he will stop using one of his most iconic catchphrases of recent times from next week.
Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic began in Ireland at the beginning of 2020, Joe has punctuated every third or fourth sentence of the popular RTE lunchtime show by reminding people on one very specific public health guideline.
If you were to tune in, you would hear him plead for the public to "wash your hands".
But with the end of lockdown, it seems that the veteran broadcaster has had enough.
He said: "I'll stop saying that soon once the lockdown is over. I'll say that for the last time next week and hopefully people get the message.
"It was in February 2020 that I first started saying, I don't know why, '51551 wash your hands, wash your hands!'. I reckon I've said it 1,487 times or about that. I'm now about to say it next week for the last time. Hopefully the pandemic is over."
However, all is not lost - as Joe now wants your help to pick a new catchphrase for him.
"I need something to say! Maybe '51551, hug your granny', '51551, write a letter', '51551, ring a friend' or '51551, go for a pint', you tell me what you want and we'll think about it."
Those on social media chimed in with a few suggestions too.
One man said: "51551, Get up the yard ya dirty bowsey" with a second user opting for "Get your vaccine."
