Book of Condolence honouring Gay Bryne to open in City Hall

From 2pm today members of the public are invited to pay tribute to the 85-year-old who passed away following a lengthy illness.

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. John Sheehan said:

"I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gay Byrne. 

"We open this book of condolences to give the people of Cork City the opportunity to express their sympathies on the loss of a true Irish icon. 

"Gay Byrne was part of all our lives - from the unmistakable sound of his voice coming over the airwaves as we listened to his radio show, to settling down on a Friday night to watch him on The Late Late Show, to the unbridled thrill he brought to his younger viewers allowed to stay up past bedtime to watch The Late Late Toy Show - he was a familiar and beloved figure to so many. 

"Our thoughts are with his wife Kathleen and family at this time."

Following the announcement of his death yesterday, tributes from well known Cork figures poured in. 

Head of RTÉ in Cork, Colm Crowley, said that Byrne was a great friend to all in RTÉ Cork.

"He had time for everybody. 

"He knew that value of being decent and kind to the viewers because ultimately that’s what it was all about," he said.

Whilst RTÉ colleague and Cork man John Creedon said:

"He was a ledge, absolutely.

"You have to acknowledge he was a colossus really, not just in broadcasting but in Irish society."

The Book of Condolences will be open for signing at the Atrium in Cork City Hall New Civic Offices for the next two weeks, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.