Gay Byrne’s funeral will be broadcast live on RTÉ

Gay Byrne's funeral will be broadcast live on RTÉ this Friday.

Byrne tragically passed away on Monday at the age of 85 following a long illness and tributes continue to pour in for the legendary broadcaster. A special live episode of The Late Late Show aired on Tuesday night to honour the legacy of Byrne, who is regarded as the greatest broadcaster that this country has ever produced. Thousands are expected to attend Byrne's funeral on Friday, with the mass taking place at St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral Church on Dublin's Marlborough Street at 12pm. Coverage of the ceremony will begin at 11.30am on RTÉ One and RTÉ News Now, with Bryan Dobson presenting while John Bowman and Mary Kennedy will provide commentary. https://twitter.com/RTELateLateShow/status/1191832615919091712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1191832615919091712&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rte.ie%2Fentertainment%2F2019%2F1105%2F1088921-pat-kenny-once-tried-to-kidnap-gay-byrne%2F The television coverage will also be streamed live on the RTÉ Player and on RTÉ.ie. President Michael D Higgins appeared on The Late Late Show on Tuesday evening and paid tribute to Byrne by praising him for creating "a safe, non-judgmental space where you could begin to think in a modern way. He was very fair and I think that was impressive." It wasn't just Byrne's impact as a broadcaster that was praised by President Higgins. It was also his character as a man. President Higgins continued: "By Sunday and the weekend he had defined the conversation. I recall meeting him at various theatre events and I always remember how kind he was and he'd always come and say something decent to you. "I’d say to him `You’re still a great professional, Gay’ and he’d say, "I hate that word!"