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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Michelle Cullen

RTE's Ryan Tubridy, Joe Duffy and stars pay tribute two years on from death of Gay Byrne

Ryan Tubridy and Joe Duffy have led the tributes to broadcaster Gay Byrne who passed away two years ago today.

The former Late Late Show host died at the age of 85 after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The country was left heartbroken by the death of the legendary presenter as they recalled the good times Gay Byrne brought to their screens.

Ryan Tubridy paid tribute to his former mentor on his RTE Radio One show this morning.

He said: "I remember being in a cinema in Ranelagh, filming a promo for the Toy Show, and I knew that my old pal wasn't well, and the text came through to say, 'I'm afraid he's gone' and it was desperately sad.

"There was something fitting about sitting in those seats, in a jumper, surrounded by kids, giddy and looking forward to Christmas and the Toy Show that meant so much to him and that he put so much of his life and time into. It felt kind of fitting.

Pat Kenny, Gay Byrne and Ryan Tubridy attend the 50th Anniversary Of 'The Late Late Show' on June 1, 2012 in Dublin, Ireland. (gettyimages.ie)

"We remembered him on our show that week and we remember him every day."

Joe Duffy also paid tribute to his former colleague in a Tweet he said: "Legend. Gay Byrne 5th August 1934 – 4th November 2019. R.I.P."

Joe Duffy pays tribute to Gay Bryn (twitter.com)

Joe shared a black and white picture of Gay alongside the post.

Gay's daughter Crona also paid tribute to her father, saying: "Wow, two years, where has the time gone.

"When you gained your wings two years ago today, we never realised what a large hole you would leave in our life.

"We miss the chats the hugs and the "I love you". You were and always will be adored and loved by us.

"Kate, Harry, Phil and I miss you every day and wish we could have had you by our sides that little bit longer."

"You were a wonderful kind, caring and loving Dad and Tara. We will cherish all the times we had together. Love you tons."

Gay is remembered fondly by his wife Kathleen, who he met in 1957, his two daughters Crona and Suzy and his grandchildren Cian, Sadhbh, Saoirse, Hannah, Kate and Harry.

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