RTÉ's Joe Duffy to hang up his Liveline mic today after 27 years of hosting show
In early May, RTÉ's highest-paid broadcaster announced he would be leaving after 37 years.
RTÉ broadcaster Joe Duffy will hang up his mic today after 27 years of hosting Liveline.
Today marks the final Liveline show for the veteran presenter (69), who has fronted the programme since 1998.
In early May, RTÉ's highest-paid broadcaster announced he would be leaving after 37 years.
During yesterday's show, listeners were calling Joe Duffy to say goodbye to him and wish him a good retirement, while Duffy teased today's programme and described it as "special".
"I'm told 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.
News in 90 Seconds - June 27th
"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," he added.
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 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 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 some 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, for whom she regularly filled in for in recent years.
The speculations increased after it was announced on Tuesday that the Upfront with Katie Hannon 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.
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In Pics: Tubs and fiancee among stars who rocked up at Joe's leaving do
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4 hours ago
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RTE Liveline replacement confirmed for Joe Duffy's first week off air
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5 hours ago
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Revealed: The five candidates set to get a chance at Liveline audition
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