Kathleen Watkins
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Died7 November 2024 (aged 90)
Dublin, Ireland
EducationDominican College Sion Hill
Occupations
- Broadcaster
- harpist
- singer
- author
Kathleen Watkins | |
|---|---|
| Born | 17 October 1934 |
| Died | 7 November 2024 (aged 90) Dublin, Ireland |
| Education | Dominican College Sion Hill |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1961–2024 |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
Kathleen Watkins (17 October 1934 – 7 November 2024) was an Irish broadcaster, harpist, actress, singer and author. She was married to Gay Byrne from 1964 until his death in 2019.[1]
In her early career, Watkins worked as a folk singer and harpist. She was the first continuity presenter to appear on RTÉ television when it was launched in 1961.[2] She played Grace Gifford in the 1966 docudrama Insurrection. She hosted the Rose of Tralee in 1977, the only woman to do so[3] until Kathryn Thomas began co-hosting in 2023. Watkins published three children's books and two poetry collections.[2]
Watkins died in Dublin on 7 November 2024, at the age of 90.[4]
