Trinity pays tribute to Gay Byrne

Posted on: 06 November 2019

It is with great sadness that the College community has learned of the death of Gay Byrne who was presented with an Honorary Degree in 1988 as part of a special commencements ceremony to mark the Dublin Millennium.

During the ceremony, Professor J. V. Luce, the Public Orator, described Gay Byrne as having “master-minded many salutary debates about Irish life and attitudes, in the course of which he has dared to bring into the open matters never so discussed before”. He referred to him addressing his radio audiences “as a constantly good-humoured guide, philosopher, and friend”. To read the full oration, please see below.

The other Honorary Degree recipients at the same commencements ceremony were:

• Bernadette Greevy
• Patrick Moloney
• James Dooge
• John Keyes Byrne (Hugh Leonard)
• Maureen Potter
• William Bermingham
• Kevin P Heffernan
• Feargal Quinn
• The Right Hon Lord Mayor of Dublin, Carmencita Hederman

Trinity wishes to extend its condolences to Gay’s wife, Kathleen, their daughters Crona and Suzy, their wider family and large circle of friends.