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The Irish Sun
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Love you all' says Joe Duffy in final RTE Liveline sign-off as tear-jerking celeb tributes leave fans ‘too emotional'
RTE icon Joe Duffy today hung up his mic after a quarter of a century presenting Liveline, telling fans: "Love you all, it's been a privilege." Emotions ran high as the legendary host bid a final farewell to beloved listeners, with celebrity guest appearances and a special tribute from Taoiseach Micheal Martin. 6 Joe Duffy presented his last Liveline show this afternoon Credit: Andres Poveda LTD 6 Joe hosted his show in front of a live studio audience today Credit: Andres Poveda LTD 6 Joe was treated to a performance from Dublin Fire Brigade Credit: Andres Poveda LTD Joe, who confirmed his shock RTE exit after 37 years at the start of last month, looked the part in a smart three-piece suit for his final show in front of a live studio audience. The 69-year-old's final show kicked off with a performance from The Camembert Quartet of the classic 70s hit Thank You For Being a Friend. The band's frontman Paddy Cullivan told Joe he gave him his "big break" and added: "But for the people of Ireland, you've been beacon, a light. You've listened to genius and to some awful aul... stuff. "It's a new beginning job. This is not the end. So from the Camembert Quartet, from the people of Ireland, from everyone here: Thank you for being a friend." read more on joe duffy The emotional programme was filled with friends, fans and unforgettable past callers sharing their fond memories and praising Joe for being the "voice of the people". Taoiseach "You were and are the voice of the people. You're authentic and give the people a platform. I think you never left your roots, your working class background stood to you. The values your parents gave to you. "And on a personal level, going back to my student days, where you taught me a few things when I was a student activist." read more on the irish sun Joe interrupted the politician's speech and joked: "You forgot them quick enough now." Martin told Joe he has touched his family and his "personal acts of kindness" have been "quite extraordinary". RTE star makes hilarious response to Joe Duffy replacement rumours He spoke about how Joe took photos of Martin holding his daughter Léana during a crab-fishing day out in Cork and Joe sent them to him after Léana's death, aged 7, in 2010. Martin said: "That's something Mary and I have always treasured." A previous Liveline caller Caroline Davis travelled up from Carlow to thank Joe for helping to restore BreastCare Allowance after she appeared on the programme. Joe also heard from a Sallyanna, who in 2021 sent a "powerful" email to Liveline about her experience of menopause. KIND JOE She said: "I remember that I was shocked that somebody was listening to me. Joe listened to me and nobody else had." A special edition of Callan's Kicks was played with Oliver Callan doing an impression of Duffy speaking to various people including Joe was amused by the impressions and joked: "He still hasn't got the hang of me, has he?" A number of musical tributes were performed to Duffy during the programme from the Dublin Fire Brigade Pipe Band to Paul Harrington. A glowing letter from President Michael D. Higgins was read out in the final moments of the show. PRESIDENT'S LETTER It said: "Dear Joe, as you prepare to take your leave from the national airwaves, after so many years of dedicated service, may I, mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, extend to you the warmest of thanks on behalf of the Irish people for your remarkable contribution to public life, one that you have shaped with empathy, insight, and an unwavering commitment to the voices of ordinary people. "From your early days as a student of social work at Trinity College through to your time as president of Trinity College Students Union in 1979 and later as President of the Union of Students in Ireland, you have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to justice, equality, and public service. "Through your work, you have born witness to the struggles and triumphs of the Irish people, often giving voice to those on the margins. And creating a space in which silence could be broken and solidarity expressed. " Since you first presented Liveline in 1998, the program has served not merely as a radio program, but as a civic space. A forum for the voicing of concerns, active public engagement, democratic dialogue, and the expression of that rich and complex tapestry, which constitutes Irish society. JOE'S FINAL WORDS "Your stewardship of that space with your distinctive blend of compassion, curiosity, and courage has been both passionate and principled, marked by a rare empathy. "May this new chapter bring you the same richness of engagement and meaning that you have given to so many throughout your long and remarkable career." And Joe chose to keep his farewell statement simple as he subtly signed off telling listeners: "Goodbye from studio one and remember 51551 wash your hands. "Love you all. It's been a privilege. Slán go fóill." The radio star's listeners were gutted to see him leave and flooded social media with their well wishes. 'WE'LL MISS YOU' Fidelma wrote: "Thank you Joe, you've given people like me the opportunity to speak, to be heard and to be listened to and for that I personally will never forget you. "Like so many, you helped me when I didn't know who to turn to for help and for that I'm eternally grateful. I wish you a very happy and healthy retirement. Thanks Joe." Christina said: "Big Congratulations Joe. You gave so much and will be greatly missed by so many. Best wishes in your all your future ahead." One fan commented: "This is too emotional, wishing him every happiness in his retirement." Another added: "Congratulations Joe. Well done Shay Byrne Very emotional message from Michael D. next chapter Joe, we will miss you." JOE'S SUCCESSOR The dad-of-three joined originally as a radio producer, in 1989, and came to prominence as a reporter on the legendary Gay Byrne Show. He presented programmes like Soundbyte before taking over in 1998. In his 27 years in the Speculation has been rife over who will be replacing Joe ever since his departure announcement. The 69-year-old appeared on Morning Ireland today and confirmed that And it's been revealed in the RTE Radio 1 schedule that Countrywide host Philip Boucher-Hayes will be hosting the programme all next week. The renowned reporter has previously filled in on Liveline in Joe's absence. The Kildare native joined the national station in 1993 when he began reporting on RTE Radio 1's Five Seven Live and RTE 2FM's The Gerry Ryan Show before producing The In 1997, he moved to Today FM before rejoining the RTE Radio 1 team just one year later. Philip RTE have yet to disclose Joe's permanent successor but have told listeners to expect an announcement in the autumn after they run a process to decide over the coming months. 6 Joe told his listeners it's been a 'privilege' to host Liveline Credit: RTE 6 Joe began working for RTE 37 years ago Credit: rteradio1/Instagram 6 Joe took over Liveline 27 years ago Credit: rteradio1/Instagram
Irish Independent
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘It's been a privilege' – RTÉ's Joe Duffy signs off Liveline for a final time after 27 years
In early May, RTÉ's highest-paid broadcaster announced he would be leaving after 27 years RTÉ broadcaster Joe Duffy celebrated his retirement at a private party with family and friends at The Duke pub in Dublin city centre last night [Friday], after signing off Liveline for the final time yesterday afternoon. After hanging up his mic after 27 years at the helm of the flagship show, RTÉ's highest-paid broadcaster celebrated his final show in the watering hole at Duke Street, where he often hosted Christmas Eve Liveline specials. Signing off on his final show on RTÉ Radio One yesterday, which he has hosted since 1998, he reminded listeners that the liveline "stays open", and said: "Slán go foill. That's all from me from Liveline. Love you all, it's been a privilege. It's been a privilege." There was an audience present in RTÉ Studio 1 for his final Liveline, including past callers and former colleagues. Fellow broadcaster Shay Byrne presented Duffy with a letter written by President Michael D Higgins, who wished him "every happiness" in the next chapter of his life following a "long and remarkable career". He offered his "warmest of thanks on behalf of the Irish people " for Duffy's "remarkable contribution to Irish life", which showed an ongoing commitment to justice, equality and giving a "voice to those on the margins and creating the space where silence could be broken and solidarity could be expressed". Mr Higgins praised the broadcaster for his "rare empathy" and "commitment to the dignity of each individual life" throughout his work and through his "refusal to let forgotten voices go unheard". The Camembert Quartet and Paul Harrington performed the song 'Wichita Lineman' to close out Duffy's final episode of Liveline. RTÉ's Philip Boucher-Hayes will fill in on the show next week, but no permanent replacement has yet been announced. At the beginning of the show, Duffy said: "I was not allowed in the studio until about two minutes before," walking into the room to see many "familiar faces". Taoiseach Micheál Martin called in to thank Duffy for giving the public a voice, spoke about their friendship and his kindness after the death of his daughter. ADVERTISEMENT 'Thank you sincerely, you are and were the voice of the people. You were authentic. You gave the people a platform,' he said. "I can remember many a civil servant coming into me in the afternoon saying 'Liveline has gone mad'." He added: "Your personal acts of kindness have always been quite extraordinary and something that has touched our family quite a lot." During a day of crab-fishing in Co Cork, Duffy took a number of photos of Mr Martin holding his daughter Léana in his arms. He sent them to the family after her death, aged 7, in 2010. "That's something Mary and I have always treasured," said Mr Martin. Former Liveline caller Caroline Davis travelled from Tullow, Co Carlow to say thank you to the broadcaster for his contribution to restoring the BreastCare Allowance after she appeared on the programme. "That is the real Joe Duffy, looking after the ordinary people in Dublin," added musician Brush Shields. A special edition of Callan's Kicks was played, where comedian Oliver Callan did an impression of Duffy speaking to Callan's versions of Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary, former taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Trump, Michael D Higgins, Bono, Tyson Fury and Katie Hannon, who is the rumoured frontrunner to take over the programme. While Duffy praised the comedian's impressions, he said: "He still hasn't got the hang of me, has he?" In 2021, a woman named Sallyanne sent a "powerful" email to Liveline about her experience of menopause. "I remember that I was shocked that somebody was listening to me. Joe listened to me and nobody else had," she said, adding that Duffy has since "changed the landscape" for Irish women by facilitating the conversation. There were a series of musical tributes to Duffy during the programme performed by the Dublin Fire Brigade Pipe Band, Paul Harrington and Paddy Cullivan. Meanwhile, Duffy has played down rumours that he will launch a presidential bid. He will host the show, which he has fronted since 1998, for the final time this afternoon. Despite speculation that the veteran broadcaster would be well-placed to enter the race to succeed President Michael D Higgins later this year, Duffy said he has not been asked to run. Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, the Liveline host said: "Ah no, I could see the Áras from Claddagh Green [in Ballyfermot], I'd say that's the closest I'll ever get to it.' Asked whether he has been approached about mounting a presidential bid, he said: 'Ah no, I haven't. No, I haven't. "And even if… I'm still a part of RTÉ until Monday, effectively, and if I say…if I had... Anyway, no, I will not lose the run of myself. I will not lose the run of myself. "There's some great, great names that have been mentioned so far.' Tánaiste Simon Harris is among those paying tribute to the presenter ahead of his last show today today, describing it as 'the end of an era'. In a letter to the veteran broadcaster, he said: 'I know today is a day of mixed emotions for you and your family as it marks the end of one chapter and the start of a new one. 'I know I can speak for many of us when I say you will be sorely missed.' He said Duffy has served as 'a friend, a therapist, an advocate, and a voice for many people across the country every lunchtime' and hopes he knows the impact his work has had. 'I will 'Talk to Joe' has become a phrase used by many in times by people across the country when at their lowest or in the most trying of circumstances.' The broadcaster reflected on some of the major issues covered on the show while he was at the helm, including how it contributed to the closure of "head shops' in 2010. "The head shop campaign was the only time – out of all the things we've done over the years thanks to the listeners – that I was physically threatened,' he said. Earlier this morning speaking to Morning Ireland, Duffy said he was threatened twice – once in an underground car park and another on the street when he was 'spat at'. He said it was an issue he was 'very passionate about' and while he couldn't go to the protests, he "painted every single placard" for an event held in Clontarf. "It's the voices on Liveline. The less I talk the better, I find. It's the voices of the callers and it's a privilege.' He said his career in RTÉ started 'almost accidentally' as he was working as a probation officer with the hopes of becoming a producer when he became a reporter for Gay Byrne's programme. Duffy said he received a number of letters in the early days of being on air for his Ballyfermot accent, but that Byrne was 'such a supporter'. "He was very private. And we bounced off each other. He used to give out to me when he retired, he used to text me on Liveline, giving out to me.' He added that Byrne was 'so intense' on the idea that it was the public that 'pay our wages'. Byrne told him: "People trust us, keep it that way. Stop on the street if people want to chat to you, what's the big deal? Just stop, enjoy." 'And I do – I do like meeting people and I do like being on the Luas and talking to people, and being on the 130 and talking to people,' Duffy added. Duffy said he made a habit of sending cards to those who called in to the show to thank them, describing it as 'a joy'. During yesterday's show, listeners were calling to say goodbye to him and wish him a good retirement, while the presenter teased today's programme and described it as "special". "I know nothing about it. I will be here, and I hope you will join us," he said. Speaking during the show in May, when he announced he would retire at the end of June, he said: "After 37 wonderful years here in RTÉ, and 27 years presenting Liveline, it has been an incredible honour and privilege to be part of a programme that relied entirely on trust: the trust of our listeners. "People felt they could pick up the phone, ring Liveline, and share their lives, problems, stories – sad, bad, sometimes mad and funny, their struggles, and their victories. "I never took that for granted, not for a single minute. RTÉ has been a great place to work. Public service has always been at its heart. And now, after many happy years, I've decided the time has come to move on. "I would like to thank you the listener for tuning in each and every day. It has been an honour to sit in this seat and hear your stories.' Born in January 1956, in Mountjoy Square, Dublin, and raised in Ballyfermot, Duffy originally pursued social work at Trinity College Dublin (TCD). He became one of the first from his area to go to TCD and was actively involved in student politics and went on to serve as President of the Union of Students in Ireland. He led protests on campus, highlighting access to education, and spent two weeks in Mountjoy Prison as a result. After working in the probation service, he joined RTÉ as a radio producer in 1989 and made his name on The Gay Byrne Show. He presented programmes like Soundbyte before taking over Liveline in 1998. In his 27 years in the Liveline hot seat, both Duffy and the programme itself have become national institutions, with the programme frequently attracting 400,000 listeners. RTÉ Radio One's flagship phone-in show will now welcome a new host, with Katie Hannon tipped to take over from Duffy, who she has regularly filled in for in recent years. The speculations increased after it was announced on Tuesday that the Upfront with Katie Hannon TV show will not return in September, possibly paving the way for her to take over the Liveline gig. It is understood that a stand-in presenter will host the show on Monday, with the permanent successor being announced over the summer.
Extra.ie
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Taoiseach Micheál Martin leads tributes as Joe Duffy bids emotional farewell to Liveline
After nearly three decades of giving a voice to the nation, Joe Duffy signed off from Liveline for the final time on RTÉ Radio One this afternoon, marking the end of one of Irish broadcasting's most iconic chapters. With his trademark empathy, urgency, and unmistakable argumentative nature, Joe's last show was a tapestry of gratitude, reflection, and unscripted chaos that has defined the programme since he first took to the mic in 1998. From tearful callers from days gone by to surprise guests, the final episode was more than a goodbye — it was a national moment to honour a broadcasting legend. Joe Duffy presenting his final farewell show in Studio 1 at the RTÉ Radio Centre. Pic: Andres Poveda Friday saw RTE craft a carefully woven tribute: a chorus of familiar voices, from longtime friends to unforgettable callers, each sharing memories, thanks, and the kind of emotion that Duffy has spent a career coaxing from the nation. Taoiseach Micheál Martin, a long-time Liveline regular, shared a tribute which struck a delicate balance: warm and emotional, but laced with the kind of teasing camaraderie that only comes from decades of friendship. 'Thank you sincerely, you are and were the voice of the people. You were authentic. You gave the people a platform,' he said. Brush Shiels speaking with Joe Duffy as he presented his final farewell show in Studio 1 at the RTÉ Radio Centre. Pic: Andres Poveda 'I can remember many a civil servant coming into me in the afternoon saying 'Liveline has gone mad.'' He added: 'Your personal acts of kindness have always been quite extraordinary and something that has touched our family quite a lot.' The Taoiseach also thanked the broadcaster greatly for his kindness after the death of his daughter, recalling a day of crab-fishing in Co Cork where Duffy took a number of photos of Mr Martin holding his daughter Léana in his arms. From tearful callers from days gone by to surprise guests, the final episode was more than a goodbye — it was a national moment to honour a broadcasting legend. Pic: Andres Poveda The Liveline host subsequently sent them to the family after her death, aged 7, in 2010. 'That's something Mary and I have always treasured,' the Taoiseach added. In another emotional moment, Liveline caller Caroline Davis travelled to the studio to say thank you to the broadcaster for his contribution to restoring the BreastCare Allowance after she appeared on the programme. 'That is the real Joe Duffy, looking after the ordinary people in Dublin,' added musician Brush Shields. Similarly, we heard from a woman named Sallyanna, who in 2021 sent a 'powerful' email to Liveline about her experience of menopause. 'I remember that I was shocked that somebody was listening to me. Joe listened to me and nobody else had,' she said. There were a number of comedic, poetic and musical tributes to the star, but most notably, was the Dublin Fire Brigade Pipe Band, who presented Joe with a gift and a song to send him on his way. Lastly, President Michael D Higgins penned a touching letter to the broadcaster, thanking him profusely for his impact on our airwaves and his furthering of major social justice campaigns. 'Dear Joe, as you prepare to take your leave from the national airwaves, after so many years of dedicated service, may I, mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, extend to you the warmest of thanks on behalf of the Irish people for your remarkable contribution to public life, one that you have shaped with empathy, insight, and an unwavering commitment to the voices of ordinary people,' he began. ' From your early days as a student of social work at Trinity College through to your time as president of Trinity College Students Union in 1979 and later as President of the Union of Students in Ireland, you have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to justice, equality, and public service. ' Through your work, you have born witness to the struggles and triumphs of the Irish people, often giving voice to those on the margins. And creating a space in which silence could be broken and solidarity expressed.' ' Since you first presented Liveline in 1998, the program has served not merely as a radio program, but as a civic space. A forum for the voicing of concerns, active public engagement, democratic dialogue, and the expression of that rich and complex tapestry, which constitutes Irish society. Your stewardship of that space with your distinctive blend of compassion, curiosity, and courage has been both passionate and principled, marked by a rare empathy,' the president added. ' May this new chapter bring you the same richness of engagement and meaning that you have given to so many throughout your long and remarkable career,' he concluded. While the president's goodbye was a complex and lengthy one, Joe chose to keep it simple, stating 'it's been a privilege,' and 'slán go fóill.'
Irish Independent
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘It's been a privilege' – RTÉ's Joe Duffy signs off Liveline for a final time after 37 years
There was an audience present in RTÉ Studio 1 for his final show, including past callers and former colleagues. Signing off on his final show, he reminded listeners that the liveline "stays open", Duffy said: "Slán go foill. That's all from me from Liveline. Love you all, it's been a privilege. It's been a privilege." Fellow broadcaster Shay Byrne presented Duffy with a letter written by President Michael D Higgins, who wished him "every happiness" in the next chapter of his life following a "long and remarkable career". He offered his "warmest of thanks on behalf of the Irish people " for Duffy's "remarkable contribution to Irish life", which showed an ongoing commitment to justice, equality and giving a "voice to those on the margins and creating the space where silence could be broken and solidarity could be expressed". Mr Higgins praised the broadcaster for his "rare empathy" and "commitment to the dignity of each individual life" throughout his work and through his "refusal to let forgotten voices go unheard". The Camembert Quartet and Paul Harrington performed the song 'Wichita Lineman' to close out Duffy's final episode of Liveline. RTÉ's Philip Boucher-Hayes will fill in on the show next week, but no permanent replacement has yet been announced. At the beginning of the show, Duffy said: "I was not allowed in the studio until about two minutes before," walking into the room to see many "familiar faces". Taoiseach Micheál Martin called in to thank Duffy for giving the public a voice, spoke about their friendship and his kindness after the death of his daughter. 'Thank you sincerely, you are and were the voice of the people. You were authentic. You gave the people a platform,' he said. ADVERTISEMENT "I can remember many a civil servant coming into me in the afternoon saying 'Liveline has gone mad'." He added: "Your personal acts of kindness have always been quite extraordinary and something that has touched our family quite a lot." During a day of crab-fishing in Co Cork, Duffy took a number of photos of Mr Martin holding his daughter Léana in his arms. He sent them to the family after her death, aged 7, in 2010. "That's something Mary and I have always treasured," said Mr Martin. Former Liveline caller Caroline Davis travelled from Tullow, Co Carlow to say thank you to the broadcaster for his contribution to restoring the BreastCare Allowance after she appeared on the programme. "That is the real Joe Duffy, looking after the ordinary people in Dublin," added musician Brush Shields. A special edition of Callan's Kicks was played, where comedian Oliver Callan did an impression of Duffy speaking to Callan's versions of Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary, former taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Trump, Michael D Higgins, Bono, Tyson Fury and Katie Hannon, who is the rumoured frontrunner to take over the programme. While Duffy praised the comedian's impressions, he said: "He still hasn't got the hang of me, has he?" In 2021, a woman named Sallyanne sent a "powerful" email to Liveline about her experience of menopause. "I remember that I was shocked that somebody was listening to me. Joe listened to me and nobody else had," she said, adding that Duffy has since "changed the landscape" for Irish women by facilitating the conversation. There were a series of musical tributes to Duffy during the programme performed by the Dublin Fire Brigade Pipe Band, Paul Harrington and Paddy Cullivan. Meanwhile, Duffy has played down rumours that he will launch a presidential bid. He will host the show, which he has fronted since 1998, for the final time this afternoon. Despite speculation that the veteran broadcaster would be well-placed to enter the race to succeed President Michael D Higgins later this year, Duffy said he has not been asked to run. Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, the Liveline host said: "Ah no, I could see the Áras from Claddagh Green [in Ballyfermot], I'd say that's the closest I'll ever get to it.' Asked whether he has been approached about mounting a presidential bid, he said: 'Ah no, I haven't. No, I haven't. "And even if… I'm still a part of RTÉ until Monday, effectively, and if I say…if I had... Anyway, no, I will not lose the run of myself. I will not lose the run of myself. "There's some great, great names that have been mentioned so far.' Tánaiste Simon Harris is among those paying tribute to the presenter ahead of his last show today today, describing it as 'the end of an era'. In a letter to the veteran broadcaster, he said: 'I know today is a day of mixed emotions for you and your family as it marks the end of one chapter and the start of a new one. 'I know I can speak for many of us when I say you will be sorely missed.' He said Duffy has served as 'a friend, a therapist, an advocate, and a voice for many people across the country every lunchtime' and hopes he knows the impact his work has had. 'I will 'Talk to Joe' has become a phrase used by many in times by people across the country when at their lowest or in the most trying of circumstances.' The broadcaster reflected on some of the major issues covered on the show while he was at the helm, including how it contributed to the closure of "head shops' in 2010. "The head shop campaign was the only time – out of all the things we've done over the years thanks to the listeners – that I was physically threatened,' he said. Earlier this morning speaking to Morning Ireland, Duffy said he was threatened twice – once in an underground car park and another on the street when he was 'spat at'. He said it was an issue he was 'very passionate about' and while he couldn't go to the protests, he "painted every single placard" for an event held in Clontarf. "It's the voices on Liveline. The less I talk the better, I find. It's the voices of the callers and it's a privilege.' He said his career in RTÉ started 'almost accidentally' as he was working as a probation officer with the hopes of becoming a producer when he became a reporter for Gay Byrne's programme. Duffy said he received a number of letters in the early days of being on air for his Ballyfermot accent, but that Byrne was 'such a supporter'. "He was very private. And we bounced off each other. He used to give out to me when he retired, he used to text me on Liveline, giving out to me.' He added that Byrne was 'so intense' on the idea that it was the public that 'pay our wages'. Byrne told him: "People trust us, keep it that way. Stop on the street if people want to chat to you, what's the big deal? Just stop, enjoy." 'And I do – I do like meeting people and I do like being on the Luas and talking to people, and being on the 130 and talking to people,' Duffy added. Duffy said he made a habit of sending cards to those who called in to the show to thank them, describing it as 'a joy'. During yesterday's show, listeners were calling to say goodbye to him and wish him a good retirement, while the presenter teased today's programme and described it as "special". "I know nothing about it. I will be here, and I hope you will join us," he said. Speaking during the show in May, when he announced he would retire at the end of June, he said: "After 37 wonderful years here in RTÉ, and 27 years presenting Liveline, it has been an incredible honour and privilege to be part of a programme that relied entirely on trust: the trust of our listeners. "People felt they could pick up the phone, ring Liveline, and share their lives, problems, stories – sad, bad, sometimes mad and funny, their struggles, and their victories. "I never took that for granted, not for a single minute. RTÉ has been a great place to work. Public service has always been at its heart. And now, after many happy years, I've decided the time has come to move on. "I would like to thank you the listener for tuning in each and every day. It has been an honour to sit in this seat and hear your stories.' Born in January 1956, in Mountjoy Square, Dublin, and raised in Ballyfermot, Duffy originally pursued social work at Trinity College Dublin (TCD). He became one of the first from his area to go to TCD and was actively involved in student politics and went on to serve as President of the Union of Students in Ireland. He led protests on campus, highlighting access to education, and spent two weeks in Mountjoy Prison as a result. After working in the probation service, he joined RTÉ as a radio producer in 1989 and made his name on The Gay Byrne Show. He presented programmes like Soundbyte before taking over Liveline in 1998. In his 27 years in the Liveline hot seat, both Duffy and the programme itself have become national institutions, with the programme frequently attracting 400,000 listeners. RTÉ Radio One's flagship phone-in show will now welcome a new host, with Katie Hannon tipped to take over from Duffy, who she has regularly filled in for in recent years. The speculations increased after it was announced on Tuesday that the Upfront with Katie Hannon TV show will not return in September, possibly paving the way for her to take over the Liveline gig. It is understood that a stand-in presenter will host the show on Monday, with the permanent successor being announced over the summer.
