RYAN Tubridy and his bride-to-be showed off her engagement ring as they celebrated Radio 1 legend Joe Duffy’s departure at a bash.
The former Late Late Show host and fiancee Dr Clare Kambamettu made their first official appearance as soon-to-be newlyweds at Duffy’s leaving do.
Beaming Tubs and Dr Clare flashed the ring as they rocked up to The Duke pub in Dublin’s city centre on tonight.
The loved-up pair were in town to pay their respects to Duffy, 69, hours after he hosted his final Montrose broadcast today.
Co Kildare based Clare is a clinical psychologist and a former Rose of Tralee.
It’s believed that she and Tubridy began dating after she appeared as a guest on his former RTE Radio 1 One show.
Clare previously opened up about the big moment and revealed just how unexpected it really was.
She told the Rose of Tralee podcast: “I was completely surprised. I actually didn’t pick up on his nervousness at all, and it was a big shock.
“Without saying too much, he had told me that he was going down to find out about how we would hire bikes when he was actually going to collect my engagement ring.
“I just thought nothing of it. I was like, ‘Grand, thanks for doing that’.
“So I don’t know if I would have been more or less shocked to have an electric bike turn up in the hotel room.”
Clare also praised the broadcaster’s choice of engagement ring and admitted she’s a “little bit obsessed”.
Close pal Ryan shared a snap of himself and Joe and admitted he was looking forward to the knees-up in the capital last night.
Duffy, who left his Liveline show after nearly 27 years, was congratulated by 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 Morrissey, 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 Sadhbh, and Charlie Bird’s widow Claire Mould.
‘HERE’S TO THE NEXT CHAPTER’
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 pal and hailed his impact on Irish radio. Marty posted: “Joe’s instinct as a journalist and broadcaster was simply top class and his connection with the audience was magical.
“We will miss listening and talking to Joe every day. Congratulations, my friend, on a fantastic career. Thank you for everything.”
Earlier, host Claire Byrne joined the tributes on Duffy’s last day in RTE, as friends and family gathered for his exit, sharing: “What a great send-off for Joe today!”
President Michael D Higgins sent a message praising Duffy’s “lifelong commitment to justice, equality and public service”.
And 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, Joe kept it short, telling listeners: “Love you all, it’s been a privilege.”
Sadhbh O Byrne with her Mum, Suzy Byrne (Gay’s daughter) & Mike Murphy[/caption]
