President Michael D Higgins paid tribute to former RTÉ Director General Joe Barry who passed away on Wednesday.
Barry, from Dunmanway, Co Cork, began his career in 1956 with RTÉ.
In 1992 he was appointed Director General, a position he held until 1997. He was then a member of the RTÉ authority for four years from 2000.
President Higgins said it was with great sadness that he learned of Mr. Barry’s passing.
The President described Mr Barry as a “distinguished pioneer and promoter of the importance of public broadcasting in Ireland”.
“As Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, I was privileged to have regular contact with Joe and greatly appreciated his tremendous contribution over those years, with so many highlights including hosting the Eurovision Contest, setting up the Irish Film Board and the launch of RTÉ radio’s 24-hour service in 199 and Lyric FM,” said President Higgins.
“His invaluable leadership in the founding of TG4, when Teilifís na Gaeilge, in Baile na hAbhann in 1994, was a groundbreaking moment in Irish public service broadcasting, bringing new energy, respect and creativity to the Irish language and creating employment for an entirely new generation of Irish speakers who have made a vital and stimulating contribution to Irish broadcasting.
“On behalf of Sabina and myself, I would like to express my deepest condolences to Joe’s wife Aileen and his family, and to all of his friends and colleagues.
“Eternal peace to his noble soul.”
A statement from RTÉ described Mr Barry as a committed public servant, “committed to ensuring that RTÉ reflects the lives of the Irish people”.
He opened RTÉ’s Cork Studios during his tenure and oversaw the launch of RTÉ’s online services in 1996.
RTÉ Director-General Dee Forbes said: “We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Director-General, Joe Barry, who served Radio Éireann and RTÉ with distinction and ambition.
“While I didn’t know Joe personally, I was aware of his legacy in encouraging more regional representation and employment through RTÉ, his tenacity in transitioning our services to the 24-hour model we know today, and his passion for strong national public broadcaster, especially in light of increasing competition.
“He has made a significant contribution to Irish life, both within RTÉ and in other roles in later years. Our thoughts are with his wife, Aileen, and family at this sad time.”