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Even today the name Gay Byrne doesn’t quite gladden the hearts of everyone, but in Finola Doyle O’Neill’s opinion, few can disagree he was the most influential broadcaster in Ireland on radio and television. For an extremely private man, he bravely aired discussions on topics considered taboo in Ireland. He caused public outrage with frank discussions about sex (for example, how to apply a condom), religion (the bishop and the nightie), and politics (abortion), drawing the wrath of bishops and politicians. A workaholic and consummate broadcaster with suave charm, he had the enviable gift of persuading interviewees to bare their souls on the most delicate and personal topics. The author makes a persuasive argument that Gaybo was instrumental in changing Irish life.
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