Broadcaster Val Joyce had long lasting connections with Castlebar

By Tom Gillespie

TRIBUTES have been paid to the former RTÉ broadcaster Val Joyce, the presenter of well-known shows including Late Date and Airs and Races, who died at the weekend.

The veteran presenter was one of the best-known names on RTÉ radio during a career at Montrose which spanned over half a century.

Val was a regular in Castlebar for the annual International Song Contest and acted as compere from 1976 to 1983.

In his Saturday afternoon Airs and Races on RTÉ radio show the happenings in Castlebar were almost a weekly feature.

Castlebar Urban District Council honoured him when chairman John Heneghan made him a special presentation for his continued support for the town.

Val also attended the unveiling of a plaque to orchestra leader Stephen Garvey in Castle Street on October 5, 1978.

He was a regular compere at The Connaught Telegraph Entertainment Awards for many years.

Mr. Joyce died on Saturday night in Dublin, surrounded by members of his family.

His wife Vera died almost six years ago and he is survived by his children Kenn, Sally, Alan, Karen and Julie.

Vera was one of the singers who appeared on the first broadcast of RTÉ television on New Year’s Eve in 1961.

A native of Dublin, Val, a keen cricket fan, worked with the Irish Sweepstakes as an accountant before his radio career began in the 1950s when a number of sponsored programmes were broadcast on Radio Éireann.

His funeral will take place later this week at Booterstown, Dublin.