The 'Gay Byrne Hour' began on radio on 2 February 1973. In a rapidly changing Ireland, the programme become the public forum for many topics and debates of the day. In 1979 the programme was given extended air time and changed name to become the 'Gay Byrne Show'.

Following the signature tune Gay Byrne opens the programme with comments from a listener on the keeping of geese and a plea to listeners not to telephone during the programme to enter the 'Mystery Sound' competition.    

The 'Gay Byrne Hour' began on radio on 2 February 1973. In a rapidly changing Ireland, the programme became the public forum for many topics and debates of the day and was especially popular with housewives.

In 1979 the programme was given extended air time and changed name to become the 'Gay Byrne Show'. Broadcasting for two hours a day Monday to Friday the 'Gay Byrne Show' stayed on air until Byrne's retirement in 1998.

The photograph accompanying this clip shows Gay Byrne in a radio studio in 1970.

The photographer was Phil Dowling.

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