Broadcaster Kathleen Watkins dies aged 90, five years after husband Gay Byrne
Picture:gareth Kathleen Chaney/collins Watkins File
Broadcaster and author Kathleen Watkins has died at the age of 90.
Ms Watkins is pre-deceased by her husband, the Late Late Show presenter Gay Byrne.
Mr Byrne died on November 4, 2019 following a long illness.
RTÉ reports that Ms Watkins died surrounded by her family. She had worked at the station as a continuity announcer.
She became the first continuity announcer to appear on screen on the opening night of Telefís Éireann on New Year's Eve 1961.
In 1977 she hosted the Rose of Tralee, becoming the first woman to host Ireland’s longest-running festival. She also wrote a number of books, including , which won Children's Book of the Year at the 2016 Irish Book Awards.
Ms Watkins wrote the book after the character proved a hit among her grandchildren. She also wrote two further Pigín books as well compiling two poetry collections.
Taoiseach Simon Harris led the tributes to Ms Watkins.
He said she was "a magnetic person with a warm and witty personality and presence, as well as her considerable artistic talent."
In a statement, he said: "She and her husband, Gay Byrne, were one of Ireland’s most famous couples and it was always obvious to see their devotion to each other and their family throughout their long and loving marriage.
"Whilst 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.
"She was multi-talented in her own right, and indeed like many households around the country, her books and Pigín have a special place on the bookcase in my home.
"To her daughters, Crona and Suzy, her grandchildren and wider circle of family, friends and colleagues, I am sorry for your loss.
"May she rest in peace."
Paying tribute, Liveline host Joe Duffy wrote: "I am deeply saddened, she was a dear, kind, generous, witty, wise and learned friend. She loved life, poetry but above all her family."
Ms Watkins married Mr Byrne in 1964, with the couple having first met seven years earlier.
She is survived by her daughters, Crona and Suzy, two sons-in-law and her five grandchildren.