Byrne hits back at Dunphy criticism

Broadcaster Gay Byrne has described criticism of him by football pundit Eamonn Dunphy as incredibly abusive, verbally hostile and foul-mouthed.

Speaking at a press conference in Dublin, Mr Byrne said he had no idea why Mr Dunphy launched a verbal attack on him earlier this year.

The former Irish football international was quoted again this morning as calling Mr Byrne a grumpy, old man.

Mr Byrne said today that he would never appear on Mr Dunphy's new televison talk show which begins on Friday night.