Today marks two years since the passing of national treasure, Gay Byrne and tributes have begun to pour in for him today. The RTE presenter sadly died in November 2019, surrounded by loved-ones in the comfort of his home.
RTE tweeted earlier this morning; “Today we’re thinking of our dear friend, Gay Byrne, on the second anniversary of his death. Always in our thoughts and hearts. Sending love to Kathleen and family x”
Current Late Late Show host, Ryan Tubridy also shared a tribute to him today on his RTÉ Radio One show; “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’.”
Continuing Ryan said; “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. And we remembered him on our show that week and we remember him everyday. His face looms large just outside the studio every night, he has nearly a whole wall. Young Gay looking down on us, to say you’re gonna be okay kids, keep going.”
Last year, on the first anniversary of his death, Kathleen and their daughters Suzy and Crona, spent some quality together before visiting the cemetery.
“The first anniversary was a very special day. We all went to the grave and said prayers,” she told the Irish Mirror.
“We had a lovely family day. We’re comforting each other and we’re doing our best, let’s put it like that.”
Many others were quick to share their tributes today across social media;
Today we’re thinking of our dear friend, Gay Byrne, on the second anniversary of his death.
Always in our thoughts and hearts.
Sending love to Kathleen and family x pic.twitter.com/27TDIDq5u2
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) November 4, 2021
This card caught my eye in lovely @wearedesignist Two years ago today this great man left us. Loved him a lot. Thinking of everyone who loved him today ❤️ #GayByrne #MerryAndGay pic.twitter.com/aicDOM04P5
— Róisín Ingle (@roisiningle) November 4, 2021
Legend. Gay Byrne 5th August 1934-4th November 2019. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/FvVz5ortiO
— JOE DUFFY (@joeliveline) November 4, 2021
Today marks the second anniversary of the passing of broadcasting legend Gay Byrne. Take a trip down memory lane and listen back to his RTÉ lyric fm show “Sunday with Gay Byrne”https://t.co/cELvRayDxT pic.twitter.com/Wz083DrtLE
— RTÉ lyric fm (@RTElyricfm) November 4, 2021
Gay hosted the Late Late Show, the longest running chat show in the world, for 37 years and is remembered fondly by the entire country.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family today.
