Joe Duffy goes live from Limerick

LEGENDARY broadcaster Joe Duffy, who presented his radio show to some 400,000 listeners from Limerick on Friday, says he was out of his bed early to visit the landmark sights the “fabulous” city has to offer.

The popular presenter joined the ‘Funny Friday’ crew included Sil Fox, June Rodgers, Noel V Ginnity, Frank Forde and Doc Savage in the Clarion Hotel for the outside broadcast of the RTE Radio 1 Liveline show – the second most listened to radio show in the country.

“I was up very early this morning and I went up to the refurbished Limerick City Gallery of Art which I have always been a big fan of. It’s fantastic – the Hunt Museum is brilliant as well - and the little restaurant, Zest, was great,” he said.

During his trip Joe also visited the Frank McCourt Museum and recalled how the “very generous” Limerick author gave him the first exclusive interview after Angela’s Ashes won the Pulitzer Prize.

The broadcaster, who has become a household name as a result of his down-to-earth presenting style, remarked that Limerick city had a “real buzz about it” during his visit.

“Cities are cities and they have a rich tapestry to say the least – I think Limerick is fantastic. I love the streets up where the People’s Park is. I think between the Hunt Museum and the gallery, the university and Thomond Park it’s a great weekend destination,” he said.

Gerardine Gabbett originally from Farranshone, now living in Meelick, and Ann Harkin from Raheen were just two of the scores of people who attended the Clarion Hotel for the broadcast of the show. “He is very interesting and he raises a lot of vital issues. It’s lovely to see it coming to Limerick and hopefully it will send out a positive image of Limerick as well,” said Gerardine.