By Eoin McGarvey
THE town of Dungloe and indeed the west of the county joined in mourning the death of broadcaster, writer, and musician Kathleen Watkins who passed away in the Blackrock Clinic on Thursday last, surrounded by her loving family.
The wife of the late broadcaster Gay Byrne, and mother of Crona and Suzy, Kathleen, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday, was well known, much loved, and highly respected in West Donegal, and particularly the Rosses area.
The family had a holiday home at Tubberkeen outside Dungloe for decades and it was here that Kathleen, Gay and her family spent many long and happy summers enjoying the hospitality and Dungloe welcome of the many friends they made over the years.
Born in Saggart, Co Dublin in 1934, she first met Gay Byrne in 1957, and the couple married in 1964.
They lived in Howth for many years before moving to Sandymount following Gay’s retirement.
Kathleen was the first continuity announcer to appear on screen on the opening night of Telefís Éireann on New Year’s Eve 1961.
Dungloe and West Donegal played a huge role in Kathleen and her family’s life.
The house at Tubberkeen was their escape during the summer from the hustle and bustle of a busy Dublin.
In the early years of the Mary from Dungloe Festival, Kathleen and Gay came on board and they were very supportive of the event over the years.
Kathleen was on the judging panel in the early years, while Gay hosted the crowning cabaret for several years and was also on the judging panel.
The connection remains to this day through their daughter Crona who has been chairperson of the judging panel for several years now.
The love of the Donegal outdoors was also a huge part of Kathleen’s life and walking the highways and byways was an important part of their summer schedule.
Together with Gay, they joined many Donegal friends for regular walks that took them to many parts of the county, and they became part of an organised ramblers group.
Pat Nora Gallagher, who has known Kathleen and the family for decades, expressed his sympathy on her passing.
Through his long association with the Mary from Dungloe Festival and as a near neighbour, Pat was very familiar with Kathleen around Dungloe.
“Kathleen was involved with the Mary from Dungloe Festival from the very start and was one of the judges,” he said.
“From the word go she was very supportive of the festival, and this continued down through the years.
“Kathleen liked very much how the family was always welcomed in Dungloe, the peace and tranquillity they found during their summer holidays in Dungloe, and the warmth of the people over all the years,” he said.
Pat said that both Kathleen and Gay were delighted to be involved in the community, not just as a token, but enthusiastically.
“They enjoyed the walking and as a result we now have the Gay Byrne trails that Kathleen came to the Gweebara last year during the summer to launch,” he added.
Gavin Boyle, joint director of the Mary from Dungloe Festival, described Kathleen and her late husband Gay as stalwarts of the festival.
“We will be thinking of the family over the days and weeks ahead but rest assured Kathleen and Gay will now be strolling hand in hand together on the walking trails in the sky.
“May her gentle soul rest in peace,” he added.
Kathleen Watkins is survived by her daughters Crona and Suzy, sons-in-law Phil and Ronan, and grandchildren Cian, Siabh, Saoirse, Kate, and Harry.
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