Where does one begin to pay tribute to, undoubtedly, one of the finest broadcasters and presenters in the history of Radio and Television, not only in Ireland, but across Europe and beyond?
So many of us had the privilege of sharing the same corridor in the RTE Radio Centre for 25 years with Gay; he, usually resident with his morning programme in Studio 5 and, in our case in Studio 9, with the RTE Players. Often we would be called in to read letters on air for him, or to assume alter-persona to take part in April Fool-day pranks. Afterwards, you would not get a pat on the back – it was what you were paid to do and he expected professionalism. I think that was what separated Gay from many other superb broadcasters.
He was fully focussed, so well informed and totally flexible – equally at home in heavy politics, light entertainment, music and current affairs. He was also brave! Despite resistance from many sides, he was indeed, a game changer and an incredibly influential force. In 1971, The Late Late Show” was being watched in half a million homes and, his radio show had nearly one million listeners!
Gay was a talented journalist, an actor, musician, raconteur and a showman, well able to hold audiences in the palm of his hand. In his broadcasts, he was speaking to just “you”, but also embracing thousands. His “warm-up”, to relax audiences prior to live transmissions of the “Late Late Show”, was impeccable, witty and mesmerising!
Incredibly, he remained perpetually at the top of his profession, switching from genial host to investigative interrogator in the same programme, with consummate and confident ease. However, even though his success can now be measured by the multi talents he possessed, Gay made sure that he honed those skills to near perfection to achieve that success. He could also be professionally ruthless when he knew what elements a programme needed, or did not need, in order to retain its impact.
He was a staunch member of Irish Equity, picketing with equal vigour during union disputes and, was deservedly honoured with Life Membership of Equity. Gay also did, what Gay thought to be right and just. He was an avid theatre-goer, supporting his fellow union members, promoting performers and artists at every opportunity.
Whether one admired Gay, or took issue with him as a broadcaster, we never will see, or hear his like again. Broadcasting has changed, dedication to ones’ profession has changed, but the history and personification of his talent, that is encapsulated in recorded archive, will be a lasting testament to a genuine legend!
“That familiar voice, wearies not ever…” – Shelley.
Laurence Foster,
November 2019
