RTÉ, currently facing financial pressures, spent nearly €2,000 of public funds on food and drinks to mark Joe Duffy’s retirement, reports The Mirror.
The long-standing presenter stepped down in June after 37 years at RTÉ, including 27 years leading the Liveline programme.
Following his final broadcast on June 27, RTÉ organised a send-off catered by Bite Food Service—the same provider used for staff meals on-site, reports The Mirror.
The celebration took place in the studio and, according to RTÉ, was catered for 80 guests with food and drinks.
The event came at a cost of €1,816 to the broadcaster, as revealed by a Freedom of Information request.
It’s believed that alcohol was served as part of the event’s catering package, reports The Mirror.
The invoice from Bite Services to RTÉ did not include a detailed list of items.
Instead, it simply stated “Joe Duffy retirement” with a base cost of €1,600 and VAT of €216.
Later that evening, Joe hosted a more lavish gathering at The Duke on St Anne’s Street, reports The Mirror.
RTÉ did not contribute any funds toward this second event.
According to someone present, guests were paying for their own drinks at the venue.
The celebration drew many of Joe’s colleagues and former RTÉ coworkers, reports The Mirror.
Among the guests were ex-Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy and his fiancée Clare Kambamettu.
RTÉ’s Miriam O’Callaghan and Brenda O’Donohue also stopped by to bid farewell to the Liveline veteran.
Entertainment on the night included performances from magician Conn McCormack, reports The Mirror.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
