Anne Doyle’s farewell news bulletin may top TV ratings

ANNE DOYLE signed off on her career as a newsreader on Christmas night and RTÉ chiefs believe it may turn out to be the most watched bulletin of the year.

The evergreen broadcaster wished the nation good luck as she finished reading the bulletin just before 9pm, adding a touch of symmetry as her first newscast was on Christmas Day 1978.

There were no tears from Ms Doyle, who turns 60 in January, as she wrapped up for the last time, but her RTÉ colleagues made sure the moment did not pass without some ceremony.

Immediately after her sign off, proceedings cut to a pre-recorded package containing tributes from fellow newsreader Eileen Dunne, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, former RTÉ colleague Sean Duignan, old sparring partner Dustin the Turkey, and some comments from the plain people of Ireland.

An RTÉ spokesperson said yesterday that viewing figures for Christmas Day will be released tomorrow, with all eyes on exactly how many people arose from their post-dinner slumber to watch the end of an era in Irish newscasting.

“Often the news bulletins are very high in the ratings over the Christmas period,” the RTÉ spokesperson said, adding that it was “difficult to predict” how many people actually tuned in.

However, it is understood RTÉ chiefs expect a larger audience than usual flicked over to RTÉ One for the bulletin, which had been flagged well in advance as Anne Doyle’s last hurrah in front of the cameras.

Among the tributes paid to the “alluring” Ms Doyle — the words of Taoiseach Enda Kenny — were those from colleagues in the studio to bid her farewell.

RTÉ director general Noel Curran said: “Anne Doyle has for many years been one of the most familiar faces and voices on RTÉ’s services and is in the front rank of the public’s affections. While always reading the news with detachment and authority, she has evident warmth which the public has instinctively recognised.

“Anne has been a vital and dedicated member of our news team, while always remaining recognisably and very much herself. She will be missed by the public and we will miss her,” he added.

Ms Doyle, speaking in advance of her last broadcast, said: “I’ve had a wonderful time here in RTÉ and I will miss it hugely, but it feels like the right time to move on. I will be 60 in January and there are many exciting projects ahead.”