Yesterday, in an interview on Newstalk FM radio with presenter Pat Kenny, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin, payed tribute to the gifts of faith, love and professionalism that imbued the character of the veteran broadcaster, the late Gay Byrne RIP.
Speaking on The Pat Kenny Show Archbishop Martin said that, whenever he met his fellow Dubliner Gay Byrne, he was always an “extremely warm, nice man”. The Archbishop noted that Gay was a “genuinely religious man”, who regularly attended the celebration of Mass, and was very attached to a convent of enclosed nuns in Simmons Court Road, Dublin. The spirit of the Poor Clare Sisters is one of simplicity, cheerfulness and joy. Archbishop Martin recalled that when he attended the blessing of the altar in the Poor Clares many years ago, he was not expecting to see Gay Byrne sitting in the front row.
In conclusion, Archbishop Martin referred to the extensive charity work and generosity of Gay Byrne, saying “Gay wasn’t a man who advertised his charity or his religiosity, he went to Mass, he didn’t ask for a special place or recognition, it was part of him.” The Archbishop offered his condolences to the family of Gay Byrne at this difficult time.
Archbishop Martin will be participating and leading the prayers of final commendation at the funeral Mass for Gay Byrne on 8 November in Saint Mary’s Pro Cathedral, Dublin. The chief celebrant will be the Provincial of the Irish Jesuit Province, Father Leonard Moloney SJ.
For the full interview, click here.
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