Gay Byrne’s wdow Kathleen Watkins turns 88 as daughter celebrates – Irish Mirror
A daughter of the broadcasting and author legend Kathleen Watkins has revealed she cannot believe her mother has turned 88 today.
Ms Watkins, a highly respected children’s author, is also well-known as a folk singer, actor and harpist and was also married to broadcaster Gay Byrne, the former presenter of The Late Late Show.
Crona Byrne, who now lives in Killaloe, Co Clare with her husband Philip Carney and their two children Kate and Harry, took to her official Facebook page to wish her beloved mother a happy birthday.
She posted: “Wow 88 today. Wishing Mum, Nana aka Nana Kit a very happy birthday today. We love you loads. Have a great day and we will see you later.xx”
Ms Watkins has been the only woman so far to host the annual Rose of Tralee which she presented in 1977 and she became the first continuity announcer to appear on screen on Teilifís Éireann’s (now RTÉ) launch night in 1960. Some of her books include Pigín of Howth, Happy Christmas Pigín and Pigín’s Unexpected Adventure.
Ms Byrne shared intimate family photographs of her mother with all of her grandchildren taken over the years.
Her 85-year-old father passed away at his home surrounded by his family in Howth, Co Dublin on November 4, 2019 following a long battle with prostate cancer.
The Dubliner’s broadcasting career on radio and television spanned more than 60 years making him the most well-known name in Ireland. His career highs included being the first host of The Late Late Show. The programme became the world’s longest running chat show.
Hundreds of people took to her Facebook page to wish Ms Watkins a happy birthday. Singer Rebecca Storm said: “Wishing Kathleen a very happy birthday with you all.”
Another well-known singer Honor Heffernan added: “Please wish your mum a very happy birthday from me Crona. She is a very special human being as you know well.”
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