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Irish Examiner
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Gareth O'Callaghan: It's been two years since Tubridy was thrown to the lions. Is it time for RTÉ to ask him back?
'Until someone is prepared to lay out the systemic problem, we will simply go through cycles of finding corruption, finding a scapegoat, eliminating the scapegoat, and relaxing until we find the next scandal.' I'm not a fan of American politician Newt Gingrich; but as I read these words of his, I'm reminded of where I was this week two years ago when Ryan Tubridy's stellar career as Ireland's leading broadcaster started to come apart in what was a bolt out of the blue. Barely a month before, a day ahead of his final Late Late Show, he told fans: 'Tomorrow night is going to be a night of endings for sure, but beginnings for definite.' In hindsight, some might have called his words prophetic, others foreboding; but it seems certain he knew nothing about what was careering down the tracks. It would take a long hot summer before RTÉ's director general Kevin Bakhurst finally announced on August 18 that Tubridy would not be returning to his radio show, after a two-month controversy that became the most damaging crisis the broadcaster has ever faced in its almost 100-year history. It was an inglorious sacking, painfully drawn out, and made worse the previous month by the performances of some politicians on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) with their humiliation of Tubridy and his agent Noel Kelly during live Oireachtas TV sessions, the first of which had more than nine million minutes of online viewing. No doubt it's a date that's etched forever in his memory, the day his career slipped from his grip and his life changed — Tuesday, July 11, 2023, when he was thrown to the lions in Leinster House, a place that's not always known for its moral compass. For the first time in its history, this online streaming channel, which most viewers to the event had never heard of, had bigger audiences than the annual Toy Show. Pubs across the country showed the televised meetings on their big screens, while clips from earlier sessions were viewed millions of times on TikTok. 'This is my first rodeo being in the public eye,' Tubridy told PAC that day. 'My name has been desperately sullied, I think my reputation has been sullied.' Strong words not used lightly, which led this writer to suspect he was being scapegoated as a result of a gargantuan cover-up — one that, it turned out, had been simmering for years. No doubt Tuesday, July 11, 2023, is a date that's etched forever in Ryan Tubridy's memory, the day his career slipped from his grip and his life changed. File photo: Oireachtas TV In the words of American diplomat Madeleine Albright, 'the cover-up, more than the initial wrongdoing, is what is most likely to bring you down.' And it did, royally. It was a scandal waiting to happen, and it was allowed to happen, not just by successive RTÉ managements, but by governments who ignored the warning signs for years. Looking back at the cast of characters who testified at the hearings, the only one thrown under the bus was Tubridy. That tells its own story. It wasn't until Grant Thornton's report was published in August two years ago that the facts became clear amidst all the convoluted evidence divulged by both sides. But by then, one man's reputation had been badly harmed. It found that RTÉ had intentionally understated Tubridy's annual salary by €120,000 across the three years from 2017-2019 by driving down payments made to him to under €500,000. In total, Tubridy was overpaid by €345,000. This conclusion cleared him of blame, which appeared at one point to be piled high and deep against him. RTÉ essentially disregarded its own payroll system so as to undervalue Tubridy's salary. Payroll software at the broadcaster clearly showed he was paid more than the €500,000 over each of the three years. According to the report, Tubridy was also entitled to a €120,000 bonus, which he chose to waive. Hindsight can be merciless. What remains foremost in public memory two years later is the side deal with Renault, which RTÉ footed the bill for. Pubs across the country showed the televised meetings on their big screens from Oireachtas TV of RTE's star presenter Ryan Tubridy. File photo: Oireachtas TV In 2020, Tubridy was paid by RTÉ in a sponsorship deal brokered by him, his agent and the broadcaster worth €225,000, in return for taking part in three corporate events for the car dealer, of which only one took place. He hasn't repaid the outstanding €150,000. Last weekend, media minister Patrick O'Donovan encouraged Tubridy to hand back the money, 'so we can move on from it,' he said. Ryan Tubridy has clearly moved on from it. He now lives in London, recently got engaged, and carving out a career for himself in radio, having been left with little choice but to leave the country, censured as the poster boy of a scandal he didn't cause. He became the fall guy as accountancy practices that had been going on for years in RTÉ finally became public. Was there any need for the public humiliation and the verbal flogging that Ryan Tubridy was subjected to two years ago? Did it serve any purpose, apart from dividing a national audience? If anything, it laid bare the banjaxed business model of RTÉ. The station posted a €9.1million loss in 2023 when its licence revenue took a massive hit as a result of the scandal, which it likely will never recover from. Its business model has never worked, so how can it hope to be self-sufficient? Government handouts are RTÉ's only hope of surviving, but for how long more? I suspect Kevin Bakhurst is keeping a close eye on the BBC, whose charter comes up for renewal in two years; when the network will have to prove its fitness in negotiations in order to take on the next 10 years of public service broadcasting. RTÉ has always fancied itself as a BBC-type replica with the additional benefit of commercial revenue income. BBC's charter comprises a trio of core objectives: the pursuit of truth with no agenda, an emphasis on its native culture and storytelling, and a mission to bring people together – not unlike RTÉ. But has RTÉ not failed in two of these objectives in the light of what happened two years ago? RTÉ has a serious public service broadcasting remit, which is becoming more and more difficult to commit to in the modern climate of content-rich competitors with very deep pockets. In television land, new content is king. Repeating old programmes in order to fill a television schedule is one sure way to drive away viewers. It's difficult not to feel a sense of fatalism about RTÉ's future. Its treatment of a presenter who is still loved the length and breadth of Ireland, along with its handling of the payment scandal, was a devastating error of judgement. RTÉ's director general said there was a 'moral' case for Tubridy to return the money. Considering the scandal was of their own making, with disclosures of indefensible accounting and governance practices, and a propensity for decades of lavish corporate hospitality, RTÉ should be careful about highlighting what they regard as other people's morals. Ryan Tubridy at the official launch of Joe Duffy's autobiography 'Just Joe' in Dublin in 2011. File photo: Gareth Chaney Collins Grant Thornton's report absolved Ryan Tubridy of any blame. Whether he should return the remainder of the private sponsorship fee he received is a matter for him to decide. Unfortunately, the role that one individual found himself unwittingly cast into as the controversy unfolded two years ago, and how that role was sensationalised to the point where he was unjustly made out to be the villain, continues to overshadow the reality of a much greater scandal in which many of those responsible will never be punished. Two years on, the least RTÉ could do is offer Ryan Tubridy his job back. Maybe then, in the minister's own words, we can move on from it. Read More Gareth O'Callaghan: Unanswered questions haunt Philip Cairns case decades later
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Nathan Carter ‘devastated' as he leads tributes to ‘beautiful' mum-of-two following sudden death
NATHAN Carter has led heartfelt tributes following the sudden death of a mum-of-two who has been remembered as "a beautiful person inside and out". Christine O'Gorman, originally from Bulgaden in Co Advertisement 3 Christine O'Gorman sadly passed away 'unexpectedly at home' Credit: 3 Nathan Carter paid tribute to Christine Credit: Getty Images - Getty 3 The talented photographer was married to musician John Byrne Credit: Facebook/@JohnByrn Band The talented photographer was married to musician, composer and arranger John Byrne. Byrne has worked alongside many music legends including He's also a long-time collaborator of country star The singer posted an emotional message where he described the mum-of-two as "lovely" and "talented". Advertisement READ MORE ON NATHAN CARTER He wrote: "Deepest sympathies to our friend & work colleague John Byrne, his children Aaron & Caelainn & all of their extended family on the very sudden passing of their beloved Christine. "I had the pleasure of working with Christine in the past. She was a lovely person and an extremely talented photographer. "Myself, band & crew are devastated to hear of this heartbreaking news and our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May Christine R.I.P." Christine's untimely death has left her loved ones heartbroken with many tributes pouring in for the Offaly-based photographer. Advertisement MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN A close friend said: "My deepest condolences to John, Aaron, Caelainn, Pat and Anne; your family and friends on the sad passing of Christine. In school Christine was kind, considerate and a person of wonderful abilities. May she rest in peace." Another added: "Sincere condolences to John, Aaron, Caelainn, Christine's family and all who knew and loved her. I've such fond memories of Christine in school and after, always up for a chat and a laugh. You're in our thoughts x." RTE Late Late Show viewers all praise Toy Show star as he returns with 'brilliant' performance alongside Nathan Carter A third tribute read: "Oh Anne and family I'm so very sorry to hear such sad news, Christine was a beautiful person inside and out my her very gentle soul rest in peace." A fourth wrote: "So, so sorry to hear the passing of Christine . A beautiful young girl taken way to soon. Our deepest sympathy to Ann, Dave, Pat, and to all Christine's extended family. May she rest in eternal peace - Aidan & Shirley Fitzgerald Kilfinane." Advertisement Another added: "So sad to hear the news of Christine's passing. What a beautiful woman gone too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time x." 'GONE TOO SOON' Christine will repose at her home on Sunday from 2pm until 6pm. Her removal will take place on Monday morning at 10.30am to St. Colman's Church in Mucklagh, with Funeral Mass at 11am. Following the mass, she will be brough to Newlands Cross Crematorium in Advertisement Christine will be sadly missed and always remembered by her heartbroken family, husband John, children Aaron and Caelainn, parents Pat and Anne, stepparent's Dave (Lawlor) and Sarah. She is also deeply mourned by her sister Rachael, brothers Darren, Cian, Kristian and Joshua, sisters in law Margaret, Jamie and Holly, her aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and many many friends.
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Tots to Teens: Kaleidoscope is a festival of family fun
Tickets to Ireland's largest summer family festival are still available. Kaleidoscope, which takes place at Wicklow's Russborough House from July 4 to 6, promises a star-studded lineup of young Irish talent alongside international music headliners. It features seven-year-old social-media sensation Jacob Robinson, 11-year-old DJ Seán M, and 15-year-old Toy Show alumnus DJ Calum Kiernan. The young stars will share the stage with British rock bands Texas and Ocean Colour Scene, as well as Irish musical acts The Coronas and Hermitage Green. Ten areas and stages are dedicated to families, featuring live science shows with Mark the Science Guy, opportunities to get up close and personal with wildlife at Ireland's National Reptile Zoo, arts and crafts with the National Gallery of Ireland, cookery demonstrations and workshops at the Scrumdiddlyumptious Festival of Food, sports and wellness events, circus acts, storytelling, and more. Tickets cost from €39.40 Mystery trail Children who fancy themselves as amateur detectives are invited to solve a series of clues along the Cork Playful Culture Trail this summer. For the fifth year in a row, the trail will offer families an opportunity to explore the city's cultural attractions by following a map, completing 20 interactive activities, and collecting stamps at each stop along the way. The trail runs from June through September and features sites including the Blackrock Castle Observatory, the Butter Museum, Cork City Gaol, Elizabeth Fort, the Glucksman Gallery, Shandon Bells, and more. Visit to download the trail map and the list of activities to do at each attraction. Horse Show Surprise by Nina Carberry A reading hurdle The latest book in Nina Carberry's Rowan Tree Stables series is written for children aged six to nine who have recently learned to read independently. Horse Show Surprise tells the story of Grace and her best friend, Aaron, both of whom love helping out at Rowan Tree Stables, where their ponies are best friends, too. In this fourth instalment, the pair are working hard to qualify to ride at the Dublin Horse Show. But then Aaron falls ill, and Grace suddenly finds herself contemplating the possibility of attending the biggest horse-riding event of the year without her best friend by her side. A crisis at the stable on the morning of the show throws all plans up in the air. Horse Show Surprise (Gill Books) costs €14 Jiminy's bracelet-making kit Bracelet-making kit This rainbow and flower bracelet-making kit from the Irish eco-toy store is an ideal rainy-day activity. It contains enough wooden flowers, rainbow and geometric beads, plus elastics to make 10 bracelets. It's suitable for children aged three and up and costs €25. Mental-health tool Youth mental health organisation Spunout has launched a new digital tool to help young people access mental health support. Navigator was designed in collaboration with the Department of Health and the HSE to make it easier for young people aged 14 to 34 across Ireland to access the help they need. Almost 900 people completed a survey for the project to inform its development, while a committee of 15 provided feedback throughout each stage of the development process. The end result is a simple tool that asks young people three easy questions and then provides a personalised and localised response. This could include curated mental health information and videos; recommendations for expert-approved podcasts, books and mobile apps; or signposting to local and national mental health services.
Extra.ie
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
'I feel lucky' - Ryan Tubridy opens up on proposal
Well, it's been quite the couple of weeks since I wrote my last London diary. It's probably best to start at the beginning and see where the road takes us! Some time ago, I agreed with my daughters that someday in the future, the three of us would visit Japan. We have been so curious about the country and its customs, art and people that we had built a great urge between us to go and see it for ourselves. Between the jigs and the reels, the timings never worked but that changed a couple of weeks ago when we boarded a plane for Abu Dhabi and then on to Osaka for what turned out to be the trip of a lifetime. I won't go into great detail as it was a wonderfully personal experience but I will tell you that it was like being beamed down from a spaceship onto the set of a Wes Anderson film. Clare Kambamettu and Ryan Tubridy. Pic:It's a uniformly beautiful, clean, mannerly, law-abiding place that can surprise you with every corner turned. An amusing highlight occurred when we were checking into the Hiroshima Hilton and a lovely man approached us with his arm outstretched in welcome. In his mild Cork accent he said that he was wondering how long it would take for a history buff like me to visit the city and hotel! I was flabbergasted as Mark Gardiner introduced himself and told some of his backstory. I said we were visiting the museum and peace park for the day, but maybe he'd join us later for a beer. Mark explained that his Japanese wife had been forced to watch the Toy Show for years, and could she come along to say hello? Obviously I was delighted by all of this so a plan was hatched. The Hiroshima museum and peace park is a place like no other. Over the course of an afternoon we heard, read and saw a very different account of the end of WWII and the repulsive effects of the atomic bomb. The park is all about living history, right down to the bombed-out, domed building that was left standing despite the fact that pretty much everything around it was levelled and destroyed. Easily one of the most fascinating, disturbing and thought-provoking places I've ever visited. Ryan Tubridy and his wife-to-be, Clare. Pic: Ryan Tubridy We took some time out, then met Mark and his wonderful and welcoming wife Kayo, who told us some remarkable stories about her city and indeed about how she met Mark (which is for them to share, not me!). We went on to eat at a local restaurant where the girls encouraged me to try the chopsticks, noodles and dumplings, which I did and I'm a changed man! Post-dinner merriment found us all in the mood to sample the local national sport that is karaoke, which was an awful lot of fun. Between us, we improved the back catalogue of Frank Sinatra, Bonnie Tyler, Bob Dylan, The Pogues and some Japanese icons. It was that kind of evening. Clare Kambamettu and Ryan Tubridy. Pic:for The Irish Post We were so lucky to meet Mark whose mother, Kay, has so much to be proud of – and, along with Kayo, we made some new and unexpected friends. Kudos to young Ronan Miyachi, a friend of my eldest. He is of Irish-Japanese heritage and took us on some magical mystery tours around the backstreets of Tokyo that I will treasure. We bumped into a lovely bunch of people from Glanmire and at the airports, it was great to say hello and step into selfies with Irish people from all over the world who were on the move. Dr Clare Kambamettu and Ryan Tubridy. Pic: RTÉ I'm not sure I'll ever need to go back to Japan (the flights go on forever when you've long legs!) but I wouldn't change a thing – it was unforgettable. And then it was back to Ireland where I just about had time to do a laundry manoeuvre, before heading West for a few days and a life-changing experience as I prepared to ask Clare to marry me. I don't want to give all the details but I do want to share a few moments because some people were enormously helpful along the way. Firstly, I knew I wanted to buy the ring in Clifden where the local jewellery shop has been a beautiful and important family concern for decades, and both myself and Clare love the area. I've also been preaching about shopping local for years so I wasn't going to Tiffany's. I called Jonty Daly in O'Dalaigh's and asked for some guidance and I can tell you, the man's a diamond! The care, attention and thought he put into every detail was above and beyond, right down to him driving out to Renvyle House Hotel to deliver the 'package' to Anne Marie Kelly, the incomparable general manager there. It was all so much fun and it felt distinctly Irish. By the Atlantic shore, I asked the important question and thankfully, the answer was in the affirmative – and so began the most gorgeous weekend. The staff and joyful hotel patrons helped make it all feel special. We called into Jonty the next day to thank him and his staff; there was a little confusion about online stories but that was entirely at my end. Jonty did not let the cat out of the bag, it was an innocent miscommunication and we're all firm friends. In fact, he joined us at The Abbeyglen Castle Hotel that evening where my cousin Brian Hughes and his amazing wife, Michelle, raised a few glasses with another cousin, Rachael Coyle and her brilliant husband, Shane. Another lovely night was had that ended with songs at the piano! After that, it was Scrabble, cycling and sleeping before boarding a plane in Shannon and heading to the skies – a different man with a whole new vista ahead. I felt and feel lucky, happy and ready for another welcome twist in the tale.
RTÉ News
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Over 1m children to benefit from Toy Show Appeal grants
It has been announced that over a million children and their families will benefit from donations to the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal. 169 grants, totalling €5 million, will be distributed following the generosity of Late Late Toy Show viewers last December. The grants will support the work of registered charities and community groups across the island of Ireland. The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal began in 2020 and was inspired by the story of the late Saoirse Ruane from Kiltullagh, Co Galway, who won the hearts of the nation when she appeared on The Late Late Toy Show. Since its inception, the Toy Show Appeal has raised over €26 million. Announcing the grants, RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst said: "The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal is one of RTÉ's most important initiatives - we are humbled by and grateful for the generosity of our Late Late Toy Show audience. "Your continued support has ensured that the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal will continue to make a positive difference to the lives of thousands of children and their families, across the island, north and south. "The memory of Saoirse Ruane lives on with every annual RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, as thousands of young lives are transformed year after year." The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, in partnership with Community Foundation Ireland, has also announced that four charities - Exchange House, The Crann Centre CLG, The Jack and Jill Children's Foundation, and Women's Aid - are to receive transformative grants of between €95,000 and €140,000 each. The remainder of the donations will be split amongst 165 charities across the island of Ireland by charity partner Community Foundation Ireland who manage the grant process on behalf of RTÉ and its viewers. Other recipients include Pieta House, The Saoirse Foundation (Bumbleance), Oscar's Kids Ireland, Nasc the Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre, and the Irish Aerial Creation Centre. Over £325,000 has been awarded to 20 charities and organisations in Northern Ireland including Rainbow Child and Family Centre, The Cedar Foundation, In Your Space Circus, Lightyear Foundation, and Sticky Fingers. Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland, said: "Turning the huge generosity of The Late Late Show viewers into actions that support children and families in every county is a huge honour and one which all of us at Community Foundation Ireland are immensely proud. "Once again, we have used both our expertise as a grant-making philanthropic hub of 25 years as well as insights from communities, advocates, and researchers to deliver grants that deliver positive impacts and results. "Those insights allow us to respond to both long-standing and emerging challenges. Congratulations to all who have been successful. Your work with families will ensure that the magic of the Toy Show will continue to happen every day in our communities."
