RYAN Tubridy and his bride-to-be showed off their engagement ring as they celebrated Radio 1 legend Joe Duffy’s departure at a party.
The former Late Late Show host and new fiancee Dr Clare Kambamettu made their first official appearance as soon-to-be newlyweds at Duffy’s leaving do on Friday night, where they toasted his success with old RTE friends.
Beaming Tubs and Dr Clare showed off the ring for photographers as they arrived at The Duke in Dublin’s city centre, joking that they were “sure you want to see” the sparkler as they posed up.
The loved-up pair were in town to pay their respects to the departing Duffy, 69, hours after he hosted his final Montrose broadcast.
His close pal Ryan shared a snap of himself and Duffy and admitted he was looking forward to the knees-up in the capital with his good friend.
Broadcaster Duffy, who left his show on Friday after nearly 27 years, was congratulated at the bash by some of the many faces from throughout his career.
Among those at the star-studded party were Miriam O’Callaghan, Aonghus McAnally, Brush Shields, Syl Fox, John McColgan, Mike Murphy, Marty Morrisey, Alan Hughes and Karl Broderick.
Other pals and colleagues out for the night included Brenda Donohue, Health Minister Dr Jennifer Carroll MacNeil, Gay Byrne’s daughter Suzy and her daughter Sive, and Charlie Bird’s widow Claire Mould.
Prime Time host Miriam paid tribute to her friend of many decades and said: “Joyous evening spent celebrating the incredible Joe Duffy.
“Brilliant broadcaster, lovely guy. That’s all that matters in the end, he was a really good person.
“Here’s to the next brilliant chapter Joe.”
GAA legend Marty also got a photo with his friend and hailed his immeasurable impact on Irish radio.
Marty posted: “The impact of Joe Duffy on the broadcasting landscape over 27years as Liveline Presenter is truly phenomenal.
“The stories that needed to be told and heard was heard primarily on Liveline.
“Joe’s instincts as a journalist and broadcaster was simply top class and his connection with the audience was magical.
“We will miss listening & Talking to Joe every day. Congratulations my friend on a fantastic career. Thank you for everything, here’s to the next chapter, Joe.”
Earlier, Claire Byrne joined Duffy’s last day in RTE as friends and family gathered for his exit, sharing: “What a great send-off for Joe today!”
PRESIDENT’S TRIBUTE TO JOE DUFFY
During the special live show on Friday afternoon, morning Shay Byrne read out a message from President Michael D Higgins, who praised Duffy’s “lifelong commitment to justice, equality and public service”.
The President offered “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.
“Through your work, you have borne 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, reminding us that behind every headline is a human story, reminding us too that our society is strengthened by the lived experiences of its people.”
Earlier, Taoiseach Micheal Martin personally called in to the show, telling Duffy: “You were and are the voice of the people.”
Live music was performed by the Dublin Fire Brigade Pipe Band and the Camembert Quartet, who opened the show with a special rendition of Thank You for Being a Friend, among others.
Humble Duffy noted the Liveline would be open as normal on Monday, even if he wasn’t there.
Signing off for the last time, he kept it short and sweet, telling listeners: “Love you all, it’s been a privilege.”
