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Taoiseach Micheál Martin leads tributes as Joe Duffy bids emotional farewell to Liveline

Taoiseach Micheál Martin leads tributes as Joe Duffy bids emotional farewell to Liveline

Extra.ie​27-06-2025
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.'
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Dylan Keating puts rollercoaster behind him to top South of Ireland qualifiers at Lahinch
Dylan Keating puts rollercoaster behind him to top South of Ireland qualifiers at Lahinch

Irish Independent

time2 hours ago

  • Irish Independent

Dylan Keating puts rollercoaster behind him to top South of Ireland qualifiers at Lahinch

While his famous uncle Ronan, the Boyzone star who had a No 1 hit with Life Is a Rollercoaster, is the best known member of the Keating clan, the 23-year-old Drogheda man wants to make waves of his own in the amateur game after a few tough years. 'I felt like I was kind of under-performing there for a long time, and to come back home playing well this year, not that I expected to shoot a score like that, it was nice,' he said after adding a four under 68 to his opening 69 to top the 64 qualifiers for the matchplay by a shot on seven under. His four years at the University of Louisiana Lafayette were not always a smooth ride and he admits he considered quitting golf as he struggled with all aspects of his game before turning things around. 'I wouldn't be shy to say it's been a tough last few years," he said. 'I was in Houston last year playing an event, and I said to Mum and Dad, I think that's it for me in golf. 'Just mentally, I was struggling. I wasn't keeping the ball on the planet. My iron play was bad, my driver was terrible, and even my putting left me for a while. 'When I'm home and comfortable, I think that's what brings out the best of me, and that's probably why I struggled in America, just being homesick constantly.' The former Boys international harboured dreams of turning professional for a while but he's put those plans on hold for now and while he admits it's 'a stretch' he's hoping to win some big amateur events and get himself on the selectors' radar for next year's Walker Cup at Lahinch. 'I don't know if it's possible, but if I win a couple of these, I might have a chance,' he ventured. Set to face former champion Sean Desmond from Douglas in Friday's first round, he added: 'I've made the matchplay every year for the past few years and been knocked out in the first round. 'But I think my game is in a much different place, and mentally, I'm a lot different now and ready to give tomorrow a good run for a few days and be here on Sunday.' Dooks' Conor Hickey shot a sparkling 65, Tralee's Mark Gazi a 67, Ballybofey and Stranoloar's Ryan Griffin a 68 and Royal Dublin's Sean Downes a 72 to finish tied for second as just seven of the 14 players on two-over made the top 64 who qualified for the matchplay. It was also an important day for Fota Island's David Howard, the East of Ireland champion, who needed to make the matchplay to keep alive his hopes of winning an automatic Order off Merit spot in the Irish team for next month's Home Internationals at Woodhall Spa. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more After opening with a 75, Howard was five over for the championship with six holes to play but covered them in four-under and shot 70 to make the matchplay with a shot to spare on one-over. While Roscommon's Irish international Thomas Higgins missed the cut, all the big guns made the matchplay. Former Boys international Gazi (19), who is at Northwestern University in Chicago, made eight birdies in his 67 in just his second South of Ireland appearance. 'I've done a lot of match play, especially playing Boys Home internationals,' said Gazi, who is travelling with Tralee's Darren O'Sullivan (35), who shot a sparkling 67 to qualify in sixth place on five-under. 'Whoever you are playing, you've just goto to beat the man and make sure you do that. It doesn't matter how you do it, once you do.' Former winners Caolan Rafferty and Colm Campbell made it with ease while veterans such as Douglas' Karl Bornemann, Adare Manor's Pat Murray and Galway's Joe Lyons also came through. Hickey, who was joint second on six-under, was delighted to make it after making life tough for himself after an opening 73. 'It was a pretty big improvement over yesterday, anyway,' the 24-year-old said after a round featuring seven birdies and an eagle three at the fourth. 'I hit a few nice shots coming in and birdied the 16th and 18th Hopefully I am not out at the crack of dawn.' Pierse Motor Group South of Ireland Amateur Open Championship, Lahinch (Par 72) Matchplay draw Round one 7:00 Dylan Keating v Seán Desmond; 7:09 Eoin Magill v Benjamin Oberholzer; 7:18 Caolan Rafferty v Patrick Curran; 7:27 Jamie Butler v Joe O'Neill; 7:36 Adam Buchanan v Barry O'Connell; 7:45 Conor Clarke v Jordan Hood; 7:54 David Kitt v Robert Abernethy; 8:03 Charlie Cooley v David Reddan; 8:12 Ryan Griffin v Ross Latimer; 8:21 Eoin O'Carroll v Andrew McCormack; 8:30 Keith Egan v Dylan Holmes; 8:39 Niall Hearns v Jake Foley; 8:48 Sean Downes v Luke O'Neill; 8:57 Eoin Sullivan v Fionn Dobbin; 9:06 Jake Whelan v Jason Rackard; 9:15 Adam Smith v David Lally; 9:24 Conor Hickey v Joe Lyons; 9:33 Ben Cahill v Sean Barry; 9:42 Stephen Loftus v James Maginn; 9:51 Gavin O'Neill v Jonathan Keane; 10:00 Conor Stapleton v Tony Scroope ; 10:09 Richard Sykes v Graham Donohoe; 10:18 Paul O'Hanlon v James Walsh; 10:27 Colm Campbell v Karl Bornemann; 10:36 Mark Gazi v Thomas Abom; 10:45 Jamie Sutherland v Colin Woodroofe; 10:54 Jordan Boles v Darcy Hogg; 11:03 Ross McCormack v David Howard; 11:12 Darren O'Sullivan v Liam Abom; 11:21 TJ Ford v Joshua Hill; 11:30 Quentin Carew v Barry Howlin; 11:39 Mark Cadden v Pat Murray. Qualifiers 137 Dylan Keating (Seapoint) 69 68 (leading qualifier); 138 Conor Hickey (Dooks) 73 65, Mark Gazi (Tralee) 71 67, Ryan Griffin (Ballybofey & Stranorlar) 70 68, Sean Downes (Royal Dublin) 66 72; 139 Darren O'Sullivan (Tralee) 72 67, Conor Stapleton (Westport) 67 72, Adam Buchanan (Royal Portrush) 66 73; 140 David Kitt (Athenry) 71 69, Paul O'Hanlon (Carton House) 70 70, Quentin Carew (Castleknock)) 67 73; 141 Jake Whelan (Grange) 70 71, Keith Egan (Carton House) 70 71, Jordan Boles (Charleville) 69 72, Stephen Loftus (Lahinch) 69 72, Caolan Rafferty (Dundalk) 69 72; 142 Jamie Butler (Naas) 74 68, Gavin O'Neill (Malahide) 73 69, Ross McCormack (Palmerstown House Estate )72 70, Niall Hearns (Mountrath) 71 71, Adam Smith (Mullingar) 70 72, Mark Cadden (Roganstown) 69 73; 143 Colm Campbell (Warrenpoint) 75 68, Charlie Cooley (Belvoir Park) 75 68, Conor Clark (Balmoral) 74 69, Richard Sykes (Dun Laoghaire) 73 70, TJ Ford (Co Sligo) 72 71, Eoin Sullivan (Portmarnock) 72 71, Eoin O'Carroll (St Anne's) 71 72, Jamie Sutherlan (Galgorm Castle) 71 72, Ben Cahill (Dundalk) 71 72, Eoin Magill (East Clare) 70 73, Benjamin Oberholzer (Clandeboye) 69 74; 144 Sean Barry (Fota Island) 75 69, Colin Woodroofe (Dun Laoghaire) 75 69, Andrew McCormack (Castletroy) 74 70, Fionn Dobbin (Malone) 74 70, Joshua Hill (Galgorm Castle) 73 71, Graham Donohoe (Enniscorthy) 73 71, Jordan Hood (Galgorm Castle) 72 72, David Reddan (Castle(Knock)) 72 72, Karl Bornemann (Douglas) 72 72, Pat Murray (Adare Manor) 71 73, David Lally (Blainroe) 70 74; 145 Jake Foley (Elm Park) 76 69, David Howard (Fota Island) 75 70, Jonathan Keane (Lahinch) 75 70, Joe O'Neill Berehaven 74 71, Patrick Curran (Edmondstown) 73 72, James Maginn (Mourne) 73 72, Darcy Hogg (Belvoir Park) 73 72, Dylan Holmes (Greystones) 73 72, Jason Rackard (Bunclody) 72 73, Barry Howlin (The Heritage) 72 73, James Walsh (Douglas) 71 74, Robert Abernethy (Dun Laoghaire) 70 75, Barry O'Connell (Douglas) 70 75; 146 Tony Scroope (Nenagh) 75 71, Liam Abom (Edmondstown) 75 71, Luke O'Neill (Connemara) 74 72, Ross Latimer (Knock) 74 72, Thomas Abom (Edmondstown) 73 73, Joe Lyons (Galway) 73 73, Seán Desmond (Monkstown) 73 73. Non qualifiers 146 Darragh Flynn (Carton House) 72 74, Luke Cunningham (Galway Bay) 72 74, Ian O'Connell (Castleknock)) 72 74, Cathal MacCanna (Carton House) 72 74, Thomas Higgins (Roscommon) 72 74, John McCarthy (Grange) 71 75, Luke Kelly (Dunfanaghy) 69 77; 147 Andrew Gavin (Black Bush) 77 70, Morgan Cain (Cork) 76 71, Steven Gormley (Blainroe) 75 72, Thomas O'Connor (Athlone) 74 73, Ciaran Murphy (Grange) 73 74, Morgan Crowe (Elm Park) 73 74, Harry Gillivan (Portmarnock) 72 75, Charlie McDonnell (Concra Wood) 71 76; 148 Morgan O'Sullivan (Ballyneety) 75 73, Adam Challoner (Galway Bay) 75 73, Alan Fahy (Dun Laoghaire) 75 73, Rían Carvill (Warrenpoint) 73 75, James Marriott (West Surrey) 72 76; 149 Rory McConnell (Belvoir Park) 77 72, Aaron Naughton (Hermitage) 77 72, David Kelly (Millicent) 76 73, Padraig O Dochartaigh (Gweedore) 75 74, Paul Coughlan (Castleknock)) 75 74, Cian Poland (Elm Park) 75 74, Senan Carroll (Ballybunion) 74 75, David Shiel (Enniscrone) 74 75, Adam Allahbachani (Powerscourt) 73 76, Gary Collins (Rosslare) 73 76, Darren McCormack (Corrstown) 71 78, John Dillon (Lahinch) 71 78, Robbie Cannon (Balbriggan) 70 79; 150 Niall Conneely (Ballinasloe) 79 71, Sean Flanagan (Portmarnock) 78 72, Jonathan Kelly (Athy) 77 73, Jack McDonnell (Royal Dublin) 77 73, Shea Dorman (Bangor) 76 74, Jack Murphy (Douglas 76 74, Evan Monaghan (Tullamore) 75 75, Kevin Robinson (Castlewarden) 74 76, Colum Kenny (Portmarnock) 73 77; 151 Dan Byrne (The Els Club Dubai) 80 71, Cian O'Connor (Roscommon) 77 74, Danny Lyne (Lahinch) 74 77, Matthew Giles (Greenore) 73 78; 152 Jamie Larkin (Palmerstown) 79 73, William Josh Nicholl (Galgorm Castle) 78 74, Jamal Sabir (Moate) 77 75; 153 Adrian Hiney (Moate) 80 73, Samuel Gammell (Naas) 77 76, Andrew Barker (Corrstown) 76 77; 154 Eoin Murphy (Dundalk) 81 73, Conor McCarthy (Headfort) 80 74, Niels Knudsen (Lyngbygaard, Den) 80 74, Ryan Lyons (Blarney) 80 74, Mikie Grealy (Galway Bay) 78 76, Aodhagan Brady (Co Sligo) 75 79; 155 Cathal Penney (Athenry) 80 75, Seán McLoughlin (Co Sligo) 80 75, Peter Sheehan (Ballybunion) 78 77, Calum Ward (Carton House) 78 77, Julius Sommer (Zurich, SUI) 77 78, Sean Gallagher (Castleknock)) 77 78, Lucas Lyons (Limerick) 77 78; 156 Neil Patterson (Baltinglass) 81 75, Jack Doherty (Carton House) 80 76, Brian Thompson (Olympic Club, US) 80 76, Ciaran Gregan (Forrest Little) 79 77, Brian Doran (Millicent) 79 77, Lorcan O'Connor (Edmondstown) 78 78, Luke Furlong (Wexford) 78 78, Sean Murphy (Grange) 77 79; 157 David O'Malley (Black Bush) 85 72, Darren Kelleher (Blarney) 80 77, Robert Walsh (Douglas) 80 77, Greg O'Mahony (Fota Island) 77 80; 158 Luke O'Dwyer (Forrest Little) 83 75, Aaron McNulty (Lahinch) 80 78 159 Conor Dean (Dun Laoghaire) 80 79; 160 Sam Kelly (The Island) 79 81; 162 Cole Haygood (Heathrow) 83 79, Ryan Murray (Balmoral) 80 82 163 Dylan Harbourne (Grange) 81 82, Robert Galligan (Elm Park) 80 83, Eoin Rogers Killeen Castle 77 86.

Watch the awkward moment Love Island's Megan PIES Conor as they snuggle up in the Hideaway after shock reunion
Watch the awkward moment Love Island's Megan PIES Conor as they snuggle up in the Hideaway after shock reunion

The Irish Sun

time3 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

Watch the awkward moment Love Island's Megan PIES Conor as they snuggle up in the Hideaway after shock reunion

CONOR couldn't believe his luck when ex Megan entered the villa last night - just hours after he was dumped by partner Shakira. But if he thought he and Megan were going to pick up where they left off when she was voted out, he was sadly mistaken. Advertisement 3 Megan brutally snubbed Conor's kiss attempt on tonight's Love Island Credit: ITV 3 Megan asked him to go to the Hideaway with her Credit: ITV The pair headed to the Hideaway tonight and had a brief chat before Conor went in for a kiss. Irish beauty The fiery star, who criticised Conor for moving on so quickly after she left the villa, laughed as she explained that it was too soon. A flustered Conor told her: "What?! I thought that's what you brought me here for?" Advertisement READ MORE ON LOVE ISLAND And there was a different type of pie causing drama moments later. As the pair snuggled in bed, Conor told her about Harry saying that he'd take Shakira for a pie date outside of the villa, despite being partnered with Loyal to her pal, Megan made sure Helena found out about his ill-judged invite, leading to tears and tense conversations. Helena has had her work cut out to keep Harry in check, even though he finally closed things off with her last night. Advertisement Most read in Love Island Exclusive Exclusive The move came after she scolded him for With less than two weeks until Love Island couple SPLIT after going exclusive as huge row breaks out in villa Harry had entertained flirty chats with a string of bombshells and Meanwhile, Shakira ended her romance with Conor and told him she was struggling to get over past situations in the villa, weeks after splitting up with Harry. Advertisement Conor was then surprised when business ". Meanwhile, Megan has revealed the real reason she decided to come back. She said: "I'm excited to go back in, I think I left quite abruptly and I'm going back in for some clarity. "It was an easy decision to make. Advertisement "When you can't speak to people for a couple of weeks and have to watch them on telly every night, you want some answers." 3 Conor thought they went to the private area so they could kiss Credit: ITV

Keating tops South qualifiers after overcoming rollercoaster college career
Keating tops South qualifiers after overcoming rollercoaster college career

Irish Examiner

time4 hours ago

  • Irish Examiner

Keating tops South qualifiers after overcoming rollercoaster college career

His uncle had a No.1 hit with Life Is a Rollercoaster but Seapoint's Dylan Keating was thrilled to get his career back on more level ground on home soil as he topped the qualifiers for the Pierse Motor Group South of Ireland Amateur Open Championship at a sun0-kissed Lahinch. The 23-year-old Drogheda talent hit the headlines as a 17-year-old teenager when he won Regional Qualifying for the Open at Baltray. His Uncle Ronan of Boyzone fame frequently gets a mention when he plays well but when officials joked that he had to sing a song from the club balcony for winning the silver medal after he asked if he had any responsibilities, he was happy to hit the high notes on the links. On a day when a light westerly wind led to some hot scoring, Keating added a four under 68 to his opening 69 to top the qualifiers by a shot on seven under. Dooks' Conor Hickey shot a sparkling 65, Tralee's Mark Gazi a 67, Ballybofey and Stranoloar's Ryan Griffin a 68 and Royal Dublin's Sean Downes a 72 to finish tied for second as just seven of the 14 players on two-over made the top 64 who qualified for the matchplay. Former champion Sean Desmond from Douglas was the last man in after a brace of 73s. But it was also an important day for Fota Island's David Howard, the East of Ireland champion, who needed to make the matchplay to keep alive his hopes of winning an automatic spot in the Irish team for next month's Home Internationals at Woodhall Spa via his top two berth in the Bridgestone Order of Merit. After opening with a 75, Howard was five over for the championship with six holes to play but covered them in four-under and shot 70 to make the matchplay with a shot to spare on one-over. He was only marginally less happy than Keating, who admitted he considered quitting the game during his stint at the University of Louisiana Lafayette. 'I felt like I was kind of under forming there for a long time, and to come back home playing well this year, not that I expected to shoot a score like that, it was nice,' Keating said. 'I wouldn't be shy to say it's been a tough last few years. I was in Houston last year and played an event, and I said to Mum and dad, I think that's it for me in golf. Just mentally, I was struggling. I wasn't keeping the ball on the planet. 'My iron play was bad, my driver was terrible, and even my putting left me for a while. 'When I'm home and comfortable, I think that's what brings out the best of me, and that's probably why I struggled in America, just being homesick constantly.' The former Boys international harboured dreams of turning professional for a while but he's put those plans on hold and while he admits it's 'a long shot' he's hoping to win some events and get himself on the selectors' radar for next year's Walker Cup at Lahinch. Making next year's Palmer Cup team on his home course Tralee is a goal for Gazi, who is at Northwestern University in Chicago and looking impressive in west Clare. The 19-year-old made eight birdies in his 67 in just his second South of Ireland appearance and hopes to make a run in the matchplay. 'I've done a lot of match play, especially playing Boys Home internationals,' said Gazi, who is travelling with Tralee's Darren O'Sullivan, who shot 67 to qualify in sixth place on five-under. 'Whoever you are playing, you've just goto to beat the man and make sure you do that. It doesn't matter how you do it, once you do.' Most of the leading lights, such as former winners Caolan Rafferty and Colm Campbell, made the cut with ease alongside veterans such as Douglas' Karl Bornemann (level par after two 72s) and Galway's Joe Lyons, who squeezed through in 63rd place after two 73s. Hickey, who was joint second on six-under, was delighted to make it after making life tough for himself after an opening 73. 'It was a pretty big improvement over yesterday, anyway,' the 24-year-old said after a round featuring seven birdies and an eagle three at the fourth. 'I hit a few nice shots coming in and birdied the 16th and 18th hopefully I am not out at the crack of dawn.'

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