Fifteen years gone: how Gerry Ryan changed Irish airwaves – and life

Today, April 30, marks the 15th anniversary of Gerry Ryan’s untimely death aged 53. That Gerry-shaped hole has never quite been filled at RTÉ. At his best, the Dubliner was a broadcaster of the first rank, one who could delight, entertain, inform, infuriate and challenge the listener – often over the course of a single show. But in the end, the life of Gerry Ryan was tragically cut short on his sudden death, which was as hotly debated as any “Ryan Line” phone-in special. Host; Fionnán Sheahan, Guests; John Meagher and Niamh Horan Copy: Today, April 30, marks the 15th anniversary of Gerry Ryan’s untimely death aged 53. That Gerry-shaped hole has never quite been filled at RTÉ. At his best, the Dubliner was a broadcaster of the first rank, one who could delight, entertain, inform, infuriate and challenge the listener – often over the course of a single show. He was an undeniable force of nature in the world of Irish broadcasting. Controversy also didn’t really faze the man, in fact, he made his career off the back of it. His voracious appetite for life, and indeed becoming a major part of the lives of his audience, was quintessential Gerry Ryan, as was his signature rambunctious approach to the microphone. Love or loathe the man, you had an opinion about him. But in the end, the life of Gerry Ryan was tragically cut short, with his sudden death as hotly debated as any “Ryan Line” phone-in special. Today on the Indo Daily, Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Mediahuis Ireland journalists John Meagher and Niamh Horan, to reflect on the days of a true broadcasting legend, his legacy on the Irish airwaves and to remember the days when the Ryan Line was open.

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