Writer and broadcaster Kathleen Watkins has died aged 90

The writer, musician and broadcaster Kathleen Watkins died earlier today in Dublin, surrounded by her family.

Ms Watkins, who turned 90 on 17 October, died five years after her husband, RTÉ broadcaster Gay Byrne, whose anniversary fell on 4 November.

In a statement, her family said: "It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Kathleen Watkins.

"Kathleen died peacefully earlier today, surrounded by her loving family in the wonderful care of the team at the Blackrock Clinic.

"Kathleen's family is devasted by the loss of their much-loved mother, and devoted Nana Kit, to her grandchildren Cian, Sadhbh, Kate, Saoirse and Harry."

Ms Watkins was born in Saggart in Dublin, to her parents Tom and Dinah.

A natural performer, as a young musician she enjoyed acclaim as a harpist and folk singer before joining RTÉ as a continuity announcer on television

Indeed, she became the first continuity announcer to appear on screen on the opening night of Telefís Éireann on New Year's Eve 1961.

She was first introduced to Gay Byrne in 1957, and they went on their first date in 1958.

Often dubbed 'Ireland's golden couple', they went on to marry in her local church in Saggart in 1964 and she had spoken about her surprise that crowds had gathered outside the church to cheer them on.

Watch: RTÉ broadcasters Gay Byrne and Kathleen Watkins married in Saggart Parish Church on 25 June 1964.

At that stage, Gay Byrne had been presenting The Late Late Show since 1962 and it was only the beginning of the stellar career he would go on to have on television and radio.

However, Ms Watkins often discussed how the shows and her husband's work stopped at the front door.

The family moved to Howth in North Dublin in 1968 where she and Gay raised their two daughters, Crona and Suzy, in a happy home, where showbiz was not the main focus.

Ms Watkins always kept up with her own radio and television work during her husband's 37 years presenting The Late Late Show and The Gay Byrne Show on RTÉ Radio 1.

Following Gay's retirement, he couple moved to Sandymount in Dublin and in later years she enjoyed success with her series of children's books, telling the adventures of 'Pigín' - a cute little piglet character she created during story time with her beloved grandchildren.

She would later say that the publishing deal came about when she was at the launch of her husband's book The Meaning Of Life in October 2013, in the National Library, when her friend Mary said to a woman from Gill Books standing next to them, "Oh - Kathleen could do a book, too."

Pigín was nominated and won an Irish Book Award for the delighted author.

Watch: Kathleen Watkins fondly remembers Gay Byrne on The Late Late Show

Almost one year on from Gay passing, Ms Watkins said that she was extremely grateful for the kindness shown towards her from family, friends and the "entire nation".

Speaking to Ryan Tubridy on The Late Late Show, Watkins said she counts her blessings "all the time".

"I’m feeling fine. I have my moments - I’ve had some moments in the last month. I’m doing well, but only with the help of family and friends. They’ve been absolutely wonderful. I count my blessings all the time."

Watkins said she took comfort in knowing that she gave her husband the send-off he deserved and added that her family empathised with those who couldn’t say goodbye to their loved ones due to the pandemic.

"Gay’s passing was, of course, very difficult for us," she said. "But we are aware that so many people looking in this evening have lost people that weren’t able to say goodbye or have funerals, and we were able to give Gay that wonderful send-off.

"We had him at home with us for so long. There’s a lot of pain out there - we are well aware of that.

"I also have to thank the entire nation who wrote wonderful letters, cards, notes and beautiful mass cards to me - four to six pages of letters sometimes. I really appreciate it, I have them all in a great big trunk. There are so many I’ve yet to get to all of them," she said.

President Michael D Higgins said he had learned of Ms Watkins' death "with great sorrow", adding that he and his wife Sabina "were among the many who had the greatest regard and affection for her".

Mr Higgins said that Ms Watkins made a "memorable contribution" to Irish cultural life though her work as an artist and broadcaster.

Kevin Bakhurst, Director-General of RTÉ has extended his "sincere sympathies" to Ms Watkins' daughters and extended family, and to her friends and former colleagues.

In a statement, he said: "Kathleen Watkins was part of Ireland's unique broadcasting history, and indeed of RTÉ. She was among our first continuity announcers. She was an actor, a musician, and an author. And of course, she was a presenter.

"She will be fondly remembered by a generation as the presenter of the long-running Faces & Places, and of stand-alone programmes like Calor Housewives Cookery. Kathleen and Gay became the first couple of Irish broadcasting and in recent months and years, Kathleen remained a loyal, kind friend and supporter of colleagues at RTÉ".

Ms Watkins is survived by her daughters, Crona and Suzy, sons-in-law Phil and Ronan and her five grandchildren.