RTE icon Joe Duffy today hung up his mic after a quarter of a century presenting Liveline, telling fans: “Love you all, it’s been a privilege.”
Emotions ran high as the legendary host bid a final farewell to beloved listeners, with celebrity guest appearances and a special tribute from Taoiseach Micheal Martin.
Joe, who confirmed his shock RTE exit after 37 years at the start of last month, looked the part in a smart three-piece suit for his final show in front of a live studio audience.
The 69-year-old’s final show kicked off with a performance from The Camembert Quartet of the classic 70s hit Thank You For Being a Friend.
The band’s frontman Paddy Cullivan told Joe he gave him his “big break” and added: “But for the people of Ireland, you’ve been beacon, a light. You’ve listened to genius and to some awful aul… stuff.
“It’s a new beginning job. This is not the end. So from the Camembert Quartet, from the people of Ireland, from everyone here: Thank you for being a friend.”
The emotional programme was filled with friends, fans and unforgettable past callers sharing their fond memories and praising Joe for being the “voice of the people”.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin came on air and gave a tear-jerking tribute saying: “I just want to take the opportunity to thank you sincerely.
“You were and are the voice of the people. You’re authentic and give the people a platform. I think you never left your roots, your working class background stood to you. The values your parents gave to you.
“And on a personal level, going back to my student days, where you taught me a few things when I was a student activist.”
Joe interrupted the politician’s speech and joked: “You forgot them quick enough now.”
Martin told Joe he has touched his family and his “personal acts of kindness” have been “quite extraordinary”.
He spoke about how Joe took photos of Martin holding his daughter Léana during a crab-fishing day out in Cork and Joe sent them to him after Léana’s death, aged 7, in 2010.
Martin said: “That’s something Mary and I have always treasured.”
A previous Liveline caller Caroline Davis travelled up from Carlow to thank Joe for helping to restore BreastCare Allowance after she appeared on the programme.
Joe also heard from a Sallyanna, who in 2021 sent a “powerful” email to Liveline about her experience of menopause.
KIND JOE
She said: “I remember that I was shocked that somebody was listening to me. Joe listened to me and nobody else had.”
A special edition of Callan’s Kicks was played with Oliver Callan doing an impression of Duffy speaking to various people including Michael D Higgins, Bono, Tyson Fury and Katie Hannon.
Joe was amused by the impressions and joked: “He still hasn’t got the hang of me, has he?”
A number of musical tributes were performed to Duffy during the programme from the Dublin Fire Brigade Pipe Band to Paul Harrington.
A glowing letter from President Michael D. Higgins was read out in the final moments of the show.
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
It said: “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.
“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.
JOE’S FINAL WORDS
“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.
“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.”
And Joe chose to keep his farewell statement simple as he subtly signed off telling listeners: “Goodbye from studio one and remember 51551 wash your hands.
“Love you all. It’s been a privilege. Slán go fóill.”
The radio star’s listeners were gutted to see him leave and flooded social media with their well wishes.
‘WE’LL MISS YOU’
Fidelma wrote: “Thank you Joe, you’ve given people like me the opportunity to speak, to be heard and to be listened to and for that I personally will never forget you.
“Like so many, you helped me when I didn’t know who to turn to for help and for that I’m eternally grateful. I wish you a very happy and healthy retirement. Thanks Joe.”
Christina said: “Big Congratulations Joe. You gave so much and will be greatly missed by so many. Best wishes in your all your future ahead.”
One fan commented: “This is too emotional, wishing him every happiness in his retirement.”
Another added: “Congratulations Joe. Well done Shay Byrne Very emotional message from Michael D. next chapter Joe, we will miss you.”
JOE’S SUCCESSOR
The dad-of-three joined RTE 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 Joe and the programme itself have become national institutions, with the programme frequently attracting some 400,000 listeners.
Speculation has been rife over who will be replacing Joe ever since his departure announcement.
The 69-year-old appeared on Morning Ireland today and confirmed that there will be no Liveline break and it’ll be back on air on Monday.
And it’s been revealed in the RTE Radio 1 schedule that Countrywide host Philip Boucher-Hayes will be hosting the programme all next week.
The renowned reporter has previously filled in on Liveline in Joe’s absence.
The Kildare native joined the national station in 1993 when he began reporting on RTE Radio 1’s Five Seven Live and RTE 2FM’s The Gerry Ryan Show before producing The Gay Byrne Show.
In 1997, he moved to Today FM before rejoining the RTE Radio 1 team just one year later.
Philip replaced Damien O’Reilly as the new host of RTE Radio One’s Countrywide in November 2022.
RTE have yet to disclose Joe’s permanent successor but have told listeners to expect an announcement in the autumn after they run a process to decide over the coming months.
Joe told his listeners it’s been a ‘privilege’ to host Liveline[/caption]
