TRUBUTES have been flooding in for Gay Byrne to mark the one year anniversary of his death.
On November 4, 2019, Gaybo died peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, at the age of 85.
It sparked an outpouring of grief around the country, with men and women of all ages expressing their heartfelt sorrow at the legendary broadcaster's passing.
12 months on, the RTÉ treasure is still sorely missed, evidenced by the tributes paid to him today by all manner of Irish stars.
Ryan Tubridy described the presenter as his "mentor".
"It's hard to believe it's a year since we said goodbye to our friend, our colleague and my mentor," Tubridy told the Irish Sun.
"I think there's a strange sense of reflection about it all, having talked to Kathleen on the Late Late Show recently, particularly in how Gay wasn't around to see the pandemic.
"I think that, as much as the newshound in him, the cultural aficionado, would have been curious about it, I think it was kinder that he didn't see all of this madness, and that we were all able to gather in the Pro-Cathedral to say goodbye together.
"There was something poetic about that, given what we are all going through now," he added.
Also paying tribute was radio and TV star Marty Whelan, who shared a photo with Gay, tweeting: "Thinking of the great broadcaster, idol and friend Gay on his first anniversary today. Miss those catch ups over coffee."
Thinking of the great broadcaster, idol and friend Gay on his first anniversary today. Miss those catch ups over coffee. pic.twitter.com/sMYym5CBdZ
— Marty Whelan (@martylyricfm) November 4, 2020
Radio personality Joe Duffy wrote: "GAY BYRNE SUNRISE 5/8/1934 SUNSET 4/11/2019. R.I.P."
GAY BYRNE SUNRISE 5/8/1934 SUNSET 4/11/2019. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/Msp5Wz4mbv
— JOE DUFFY (@joeliveline) November 4, 2020
Even Dustin the Turkey got involved, tweeting: "Gone a year ago today….greatest (human) broadcaster ever to grace our screens.
"Don't worry Gay ya haven’t missed much craic down here, hope it's good up there, and if ya have a chance have a word with the gaffer and ask him to help us land a great Den on Sunday;)."
Gone a year ago today....greatest (human) broadcaster ever to grace our screens.
Don’t worry Gay ya haven’t missed much craic down here, hope it’s good up there, and if ya have a chance have a word with the gaffer and ask him to help us land a great Den on Sunday;) #GayboRIP pic.twitter.com/XycUoSbwsz— Dustin The Turkey (@DustinOfficial) November 4, 2020
Today we're thinking of our dear friend, Gay Byrne, on the first anniversary of his death.
Sending our love to Kathleen and family.#LateLate pic.twitter.com/5rKsnonWpY— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) November 4, 2020
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