As of June 27, we'll no longer be able to talk to Joe on 1818 715 815!
The man, the myth, the legend, Joe Duffy is hanging up his mic after 37 years with RTÉ, 27 of which have been spent hosting Liveline, next month.
In a statement announcing his departure from the national broadcaster, Joe said: '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.'
'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,' Joe, 69, continued.
'I never took that for granted, not for a single minute. 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. I would like to thank you the listener for tuning in each and every day, it has been an honour to sit in this seat and hear your stories.'
We're sad to hear Joe go, but we can't help but wonder who will replace him on the airwaves...
Joe Duffy is a household name, but that status didn't come overnight.
Raised in Ballyfermot, the now-69-year-old broadcaster was one of the first from his area to go to Trinity College. Actively involved in student politics, he went on to serve as President of the Union of Students in Ireland.
Joe led protests on campus, highlighting access to education, which resulted in him spending two weeks in Mountjoy Prison. It's clear he's always been impassioned by people's stories.
He joined RTÉ in 1989 as a producer and rose to prominence as a reporter on the Gay Byrne Show. It was in 1998 when he became truly in his element, taking over Liveline.
And there he has been for the past 27 years, opening debates, allowing the regular Joes to give their two cents on topics, and most importantly, being a soundboard for the masses.
More than a few households are sure to be feeling the absence of his familiar voice after he hosts his final show on Friday, June 27.
