TV & Radio

Death of former RTÉ broadcaster Val Joyce described as the end of an era

Long broadcasting career saw Dubliner at the helm of Airs and Races, Late Date and many other popular and warmly remembered radio programmes

The late Val Joyce. Photograph: RTÉ

Mon Oct 10 2022 - 11:04

The former RTÉ broadcaster Val Joyce, who presented Late Date for more than 15 years, died at the weekend. Joyce, who was from Dublin, died in Blackrock surrounded by family members on Saturday night.

In his long broadcasting career he presented many popular and warmly remembered radio programmes. Joyce initially worked with the Irish Hospitals’ Sweepstakes as an accountant. His radio career began in the 1950s when a number of sponsored programmes were broadcast on Radio Éireann.

He also presented Sound of Light and Pop Call, along with Airs and Races, which ran on Saturday afternoons in the 1980s and featured songs as well as sporting events, including horse racing. Later in his career came Ireland’s Choice with Val Joyce and Late Date.

The broadcaster Lilian Smith paid tribute to her “lovely former colleague” on Twitter. “When I started on #LateDate back in the day he was my opposite number. We had a lot of fun, and I learned a lot from him. May he rest in peace”.

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The RTÉ Lyric FM presenter Aedín Gormley said: “We have lost one of the #RTÉ family ... I loved him on Late Date”. Gormley added that Joyce was “so lovely and a joy to talk to”. She said she “loved his music” and described his death as the “end of an era”.

The RTÉ Radio 1 broadcaster John Creedon said he was sad to hear of the passing of a “broadcasting legend”. He said Joyce had “such a beautiful voice and sophisticated style. Fondly recall the racing tips and saints’ feast days on Airs & Races and Late Date”.

Val Joyce’s funeral is expected to take place later this week at Booterstown, in Co Dublin. Predeceased by his wife, Vera Morgan, he is survived by his children Kenn, Sally, Alan, Karen and Julie.

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