We are deeply saddened by the death of former broadcaster Kathleen Watkins.

Kathleen Watkins, former RTE broadcaster and widow of the late Gay Byrne, has died aged 90.

Mrs Watkins passed peacefully today in the care of the Blackrock Clinic with her loving family.

He was one of the first presenters when Telefís Éireann went on the air on New Year’s Eve 1961.

His creative talents expanded into music, publishing and writing. Prior to her radio and television career, she was an acclaimed harpist and folk singer.

Kathleen and Gay met in 1957 and were married on June 25, 1964, at Saggart Parish Church. At the time, Gay had been hosting The Late Late Show, the world’s second longest-running late-night talk show, for two years.

The couple had a great love for Donegal and considered Dungloe their ‘second home’.

For over 40 years Gay and Kathleen enjoyed their holiday home in Donegal as what Gay once described as “a haven of rest and tranquility from a busy life”.

The couple proudly launched Donegal’s tourism brochure in 2015, talking about the warm welcome the people of Donegal give to every visitor.

2015: Mr Seamus Neely, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council and Head of Donegal Tourism, with Gay Byrne and Kathleen Watkins at Glenveagh Castle.

Last year Kathleen returned to West Donegal to officially open a new walkway in memory of her late husband Gay, who passed away in 2019 aged 85.

Daughters Suzy and Crona and their children were also present at Gweebarra Bridge for the opening of the Gay Byrne Trail.

Kathleen said it was a pleasure for Gay to be honored in this way, recalling the happy times of their walks in Dungloe.

Kathleen Watkins in Donegal in July 2023. Photo courtesy of Mary Rogers.

Her family shared their deep sorrow in a statement, saying: “Kathleen’s family is grieving the loss of their beloved mother and has dedicated ‘Nanakit’ to her grandchildren Cian, Sadhbh, Kate, Saoirse and Harry.”

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

We are deeply saddened by the death of former broadcaster Kathleen Watkins. Date last modified: November 7, 2024 with Staff Writer