Most callers on Liveline know that Joe has helped people in the past and hope that he can help them too. Sometimes they want to be put in touch with somebody who can assist. Sometimes they just want someone to listen. But they tend to have one thing in common – they know they're on the radio.
Bridget from Limerick and her husband Packie were looking forward to welcoming their son Gerard, daughter-in-law Lisa and their 3 grandchildren home from San Francisco for Christmas. Packie suffers from Alzheimer’s and was “all geared up” to see little 4-year-old Niall in particular.
Unfortunately, when Lisa printed out their boarding passes, she noticed she had made a mistake when booking and it was too late to change the flights without paying thousands more than they had intended. It was looking like they wouldn’t be able to make their annual visit. Lisa emailed Liveline and put the team in touch with Bridget. They both joined Joe on the line.
The tension mounted when Aer Lingus got in touch. They asked Lisa to check her email. Joe couldn't take the suspense.
“You have my nerves gone here, Lisa. Will you open the email? Is it good news or bad news?”
To Bridget, he added:
“Move the photo of John F Kennedy and Michael Flatley aside and let’s get praying to the Sacred Heart!“
It was good news for Lisa and Bridget. Aer Lingus had switched their flights, allowing them to come to Ireland for a Christmas visit after all. There were celebrations all around but one thing became clear as Joe continued to talk to Bridget – she didn't seem to know who he was. Or even that she was on-air:
“Can you tell me your name?”
“This is Joe Duffy here in the middle.“
“What?!”
“This is Joe Duffy.”
“Oh Jesus, I hope I’m not on line. Am I?”
Needing a little extra confirmation, Joe promised Bridget that he was telling the truth. Hopefully, a surprise that was worth it for the good news that her family will be flying home for Christmas.
“You’re on Liveline.”
“Oh, for God’s sake!“
To listen back to the full episode of Liveline, click here.