THE founder and driving force behind the MacGill Summer School in Glenties, Dr Patrick Joseph (Joe) Mulholland, will be laid to rest on Monday following his sad passing at the weekend.

Dr Mulholland, former Managing Director of RTÉ Television, passed away peacefully on Saturday after a long illness, surrounded by his loving family and in the kind care of the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Dublin.

Born in 1940, Dr Mulholland was the eldest of five children and grew up in Ballybofey.

He also shared a long standing friendship with writer Brian Friel and was a founding member of the Brian Friel Trust.

Dr Mulholland’s remains will repose in Fanagans Carnegies Funeral Directors, Monkstown, A94 XK28, from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday, February 7.

Requiem Mass will take place on Monday, February 9 in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook, followed by burial in Kilternan Cemetery Park, Ballycorus Road, D18 X22C.

Dr Mulholland is predeceased by his wife Annie and his brothers Raymond and Danny.

He is the loving father of Fiona, Sylvain and Julien.

Meanwhile, tributes have been flooding in for the well-known Donegal native.

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan led tributes to the late Dr Mulholland, saying his death marked the end of a remarkable chapter in the history of Irish broadcasting and intellectual life.

“Joe was a mentor to generations of journalists, a champion of the arts, and a proud son of Donegal who never lost his sense of place,” Minister O’Donovan said.

“His legacy lives on in the high standards of public service broadcasting he championed and the vibrant culture of debate he leaves behind.

“He was a gentleman of the old school, and his absence leaves a void in the heart of our national conversation.”

Tánaiste Simon Harris remembered Dr Mulholland as a distinguished figure in Irish media and civic life.

“Joe’s career at RTÉ, including his leadership as Managing Director of RTÉ Television, helped shape current affairs broadcasting in Ireland for many years and left an enduring mark on the national broadcaster,” the Fine Gael leader said.

“His vision and passion for informed public debate led him to establish the MacGill Summer School in the early 1980.

“It has for decades been a forum that has brought together voices from across political, academic and media life to discuss the central issues facing our country.

“He was also a passionate advocate for the arts.”

Speaking at the summer school in 2024 during his time as Taoiseach, Harris said he saw first-hand Mulholland’s commitment to fostering thoughtful, respectful and challenging dialogue.

“His contribution to public discourse and to Irish cultural life will be remembered,” he said.

“I extend my sincere condolences to Joe’s family, friends, and all who knew him.”

The Donegal Association in Dublin also paid tribute to Dr Mulholland, who was Donegal Person of the Year in 2008.

“He was a well deserving recipient of the award given his huge contribution to the MacGill Summer School in Glenties for over 40 years, bringing the top names from all walks of life to Donegal for a week of national and international debate and discussion,” a spokesperson said.

“He personally gave the summer school his everything ensuring the smooth running and many decades of success.

“Mr Mulholland was promoted to Head of Current Affairs in RTÉ in 1980, during which time he launched Today Tonight.

“He was later appointed Director of News in 1990, moving on to become Manager of programmes, and ultimately being appointed Managing Director of Television.

“He attended many of our events and was a great supporter of the association.

“He will be greatly missed by those he encountered on life’s journey.

“May he rest in peace.”