Joe Duffy is retiring from RTÉ after 37 years, with his final Liveline broadcast scheduled for June 27, 2025.
Duffy, who has hosted the beloved RTÉ Radio 1 programme since 1998, shared his gratitude: “After 37 wonderful years here in RTÉ, and 27 years presenting Liveline, it has been an incredible honour and privilege to be part of a programme that relied entirely on trust – the trust of our listeners,” as reported by RTÉ. He highlighted the show’s unique connection with its audience, stating, “People felt they could pick up the phone, ring Liveline, and share their lives, problems, stories sad, bad, sometimes mad and funny, their struggles, and their victories. I never took that for granted, not for a single minute,” according to RTÉ. He also noted, “RTÉ has been a great place to work. Public service has always been at its heart. And now, after many happy years, I’ve decided the time has come to move on,” reports RTÉ.
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Raised in Ballyfermot and one of the first from his area to attend Trinity College, Duffy studied social work and led the Union of Students in Ireland. His activism, including a brief stint in Mountjoy Prison during education protests, shaped his path. Joining RTÉ in 1989 as a radio producer, he rose to prominence on The Gay Byrne Show before hosting Soundbyte, Liveline Callback, and the TV series The Meaning of Life.
Liveline, under Duffy’s stewardship, became a national institution, attracting over 400,000 listeners with its emotional authenticity and investigative edge. RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst described Duffy as “an icon of broadcasting,” stating, “Joe Duffy’s Liveline doesn’t just have its fingers on the pulse, it is the pulse of the nation,” as reported by RTÉ. RTÉ Director of Audio Patricia Monahan added, “Joe’s ability to connect with listeners, to create a safe place for them to discuss both difficult and light-hearted topics – and most importantly to listen to and hear them – is unique,” according to RTÉ.
Duffy’s acclaimed works include his autobiography Just Joe and the award-winning histories Children of the Rising and Children of the Troubles. He will appear on The Late Late Show tomorrow as Patrick Kielty’s guest.
RTÉ reports that a Liveline successor will be named in autumn, with Duffy expected to contribute to RTÉ’s 2026 centenary celebrations.
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