President leads tributes to Kathleen Watkins after her death aged 90

The Irish president has led tributes to broadcaster, writer and musician Kathleen Watkins following her death at the age of 90.

Watkins was the first continuity announcer to appear on Telefis Eireann (later renamed RTE) when the station launched in 1961.

She was married to Gay Byrne, the long-time presenter of RTE’s flagship entertainment programme, The Late Late Show. Byrne died in November 2019.

Born in Saggart, outside Dublin, the broadcaster was also a talented harpist and folk singer and, in her later life, won acclaim for writing a series of children’s books on the adventures of Pigin the piglet.

President Michael D Higgins offered “deepest condolences” to Ms Watkins’ wider family.

Mr Higgins said her talents were demonstrated through her work as an artist, broadcaster and writer “appreciated by people of all ages”.

In a statement, he said: “It was with great sorrow that Sabina and I learned of the passing of Kathleen Watkins, we were among the many who had the greatest regard and affection for her.

“I know that this was shared in particular by all of Kathleen’s colleagues in RTE. Sabina and I convey our sympathy to them, along with so many in Ireland’s cultural life to which Kathleen made such a memorable contribution.”

Mr Higgins added: “Kathleen was the beloved life partner of Gay Byrne who we remember now, recalling the joy of their unique partnership. We recall also the warmth of Kathleen’s personality, her humour and kindness – she represented the best of her generation in so many ways and during such a formative period in our country.”

Taoiseach Simon Harris said it was with “great sadness” that he learned of her death.

“Kathleen was a magnetic person with a warm and witty personality and presence, as well as her considerable artistic talent,” 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 RTE has ever produced, Kathleen will always be one of the first faces to appear on screen on RTE’s opening night.”

Mr Harris described her as “multi-talented” as he noted that the Pigin books have a special place in the bookcase in his home.

“To her daughters, Crona and Suzy, her grandchildren and wider circle of family, friends and colleagues, I am sorry for your loss,” he said.

In a statement to RTE, her family said they were “devastated” by her death.

They said she died peacefully on Thursday surrounded by her family at the Blackrock Clinic in Dublin.

Kevin Bakhurst, director general of RTE, said: “Kathleen Watkins was part of Ireland’s unique broadcasting history and, indeed, of RTE.

“She was among our first continuity announcers. She was an actor, a musician, and an author. And, of course, she was a presenter.”

Mr Bakhurst said Watkins would be fondly remembered as the presenter of RTE’s long-running Faces And Places programme.

“Kathleen and Gay became the first couple of Irish broadcasting and in recent months and years, Kathleen remained a loyal, kind friend and supporter of colleagues at RTE,” he added.