On this day in 1988, The Irish Times was carrying the usual seasonal interviews with people who had come home for Christmas. Thus, the institution that was the Gay Byrne Christmas call. In her fascinating compilation of letters to her father’s radio show, PS Gay, Suzy Byrne includes one successful example. The Star newspaper covered the event with a double-page spread of photos and text: “Dramatic Reunion Brings Christmas Joy to Family”. Our Christmas story is still underpinned by separation anxiety.

Source: The Irish Times December 23, 2025 18:07 UTC