Through the decades with Joe Duffy…
My Twenties – Finding My Voice
My twenties were probably the most important and formative years of my life. I came to Trinity a bit late; I was 22 when I walked through the front gate of that August institution. When I did my Leaving Certificate in Ballyfermot in 1976, I had no idea how to even apply.
I knew how to get there – it was at the end of the 78 bus route – but that was about it. I worked in an advertising agency for three years, got involved in summer projects in Ballymun, and then, like many of us need at some point in life, someone encouraged me to go and study. So, I applied. I left work on Friday in Arks Advertising and walked into Trinity on Monday morning knowing absolutely nobody.
But in that decade, everything changed. I met people, got involved in social action, social justice, and access to education. I became President of the Students’ Union in Trinity, and later President of the National Student Union-USI. In my twenties, I found my mojo. I found my voice. And I found my confidence.
My Thirties – Meaningful Work
In my early thirties, I left Trinity and began working as a probation officer in the Department of Justice. It was fascinating work. I worked with children and young people in trouble, and because I was one of the few men in the service, I also worked with “lifers” – people released after 20, 30, even 40 years in prison.
My job was to help them rebuild – to find somewhere to live, to reconnect with family life, and to adjust to the world again. Because of their life sentences, they had to report regularly to a probation officer, and that was often me. I loved those five years.
Then, in my mid-thirties, I took a leap and applied for a job in RTÉ Radio. I started in 1988, and began working my way down – slowly, steadily.
My Forties – Opportunity and Nerve
By the time I turned 40 in 1996, I was a regular reporter on The Gay Byrne Show, and that experience made me. I travelled the country constantly, meeting people every single day – towns, villages, communities. I loved it. And Gay Byrne was hugely supportive.
Then in 1998, in my early forties, I started on Liveline. I was very nervous, and so, I think, were RTÉ. I had big shoes to fill. Marian Finucane used to call them her “button boots.” But I found my own way, my own voice.
Around that time, someone gave me advice I’ve never forgotten: ‘There are a hundred Joe Duffys in Ireland. Ninety-nine are better looking than you. Ninety-eight are more intelligent. Ninety-seven are funnier. But you’re the one they asked for — so go out and do it’.
Being there is half the job. That stayed with me. And in 1995, my three children – Seán, Ellen, and Ronan – were born. That changed my life forever, in the best possible way.
My Fifties – Perspective and Health
In my fifties, I was well settled into Liveline and became more conscious of the role of campaigning through the programme. But I also became much more aware of my health. I have been swimming every day since my early 20s and keep up the tradition even till today. I love the silence and the feeling of being underwater.
I started getting regular eyesight tests…what surprised me was how few people do the same. People panic when the NCT letter comes through the door, but they don’t think twice about their own health – their hearing, their eyesight, their heart. As someone who has had more conversations than most over 40 years, I’ve come to understand that hearing is at the heart of all great relationships.
After my own Specsavers hearing check, I ensured my ability to clearly hear and truly connect with the people of Ireland remains uncompromised.
My Sixties – Reflection and Legacy
In my sixties, I felt more settled in RTÉ and in myself. I was open to trying new things, and I began writing. I wrote Just Joe, my so-called autobiography – you’ll find it in the fiction section in some libraries. Then came Children of the Rising, released in 2016 when I turned 60.
It became a number one bestseller, and it’s a book I’m incredibly proud of. It told the story of the 40 children who died in the 1916 Rising, many of whom had gone unnamed for nearly a century. Giving them names, telling their stories – that mattered deeply. I later worked with Freya McClements on a book about the children of the Troubles.
That was profoundly moving and, at times, heartbreaking. Meeting those families, hearing their stories – it stays with you. It reinforced for me the absolute futility of violence.
Late Sixties – Letting Go (and Enjoying It)
I retired in my late sixties. And I recommend retirement – I think everyone should try it at least once. But more than anything, I recommend this: look after your health.
Looking Ahead
And so – here’s to the next sixty.
Hearing is at the heart of all great relationships. Specsavers is partnering with Joe Duffy, who has had more conversations than most over 40 years, to explore how changes in hearing can quietly impact relationships. Don’t wait until you’re not hearing clearly or missing conversations. Specsavers hearing experts are here to help. Book your free hearing test at your local Specsavers nationwide.
