It truly is the end of an era.
After 27 years at the helm, Joe Duffy will bid farewell to Liveline for the final time.
And tributes have poured in for the presenter as we get to Talk to Joe one last time.
Tánaiste Simon Harris shared an emotional letter saying goodbye to Joe.
“Dear Joe, Today marks the end of an era as you hang up the microphone for the last time. 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,” he wrote.
“I know I can speak for many of us when I say you will be sorely missed. You have served as a friend, a therapist, an advocate, and a voice for many people across the country every lunchtime.
“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. I hope you know the impact you have had on your colleagues and peers across RTE, and indeed on those who have listened to you every single day.
“I hope you have a chance to take a break, rest and enjoy some time with your family. It is well deserved,” he added, before signing off, “Thank you, Joe. Kind regards, Simon.”
Miriam O’Callaghan also spoke to RTÉ about the “masterful” Joe, saying: “He’s a masterful broadcaster with an innate sense of decency, great timing, superb journalistic instincts, a passion for fairness and equality, enormous intellect and huge empathy. So I will miss listening to him on a daily basis.
“Down the years, he has shown me only incredible kindness, warmth, support and love. I am eternally grateful to him for the years I have known him and I hope that we can remain dear friends. Thank you for everything, Joe.”
Brendan O’Carroll even called into Liveline this week, disguising himself as a worried caller so he could say goodbye to Joe.
“I couldn’t let the moment go by. I mean, it’s been an amazing, amazing run for anybody on radio, but particularly for you, because you’re so boring that it’s hard to believe that people listen five days a week,” he joked.
Ryan Tubridy shared a tribute to Joe writing: “My old mucker, the great Joe Duffy hangs up his current microphone today. Truly one of the greats and bold as brass with it. Have a fun last show and we’ll raise a glass later.”
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Rozanna Purcell and Carl Mullan even performed a song on their 2FM show this morning to say goodbye to Joe.
