Gay Byrne’s publicist and wife, Kathleen Watkins, dies at 90

Irish broadcaster, writer and musician Kathleen Watkins has died at the age of 90.

Watkins, wife of late broadcaster Gay Byrne, died surrounded by her family.

Watkins was the first continuity announcer to appear on-screen on Telefís Éireann.

Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Simon Harris described him as a “magnetic person” who was “very talented”.

In a statement, Harris praised Watkins’ “warm and humorous personality and presence, as well as her significant artistic talent.”

“While Gay Byrne is perhaps the most famous face RTÉ has ​​ever produced, Kathleen will always be one of the first faces to appear on screen on RTÉ’s opening night.

“He had many talents in his own right, and indeed, as in many homes around the country, his books and Pigín have a special place on the bookshelf in my home,” he added.

Born in Saggart, County Dublin, Watkins worked as a harpist and folk singer in his early career.

He joined RTÉ as a television continuity presenter and became the first continuity presenter to appear on the channel on New Year’s Eve 1961.

Ms. Watkins had two children, Crona and Suzy, and wrote the Pigín series of popular children’s books.

Pigín won the Irish Book Award in 2016.

In her later years, Watkins devoted much of her time to caring for Gay Byrne, who died in November 2019.

He is survived by two daughters, Crona and Suzy, sons Phil and Ronan, and five grandchildren.