Brenda Donohue Hints at Podcast Future for Joe Duffy, Eyes Own Bid for Liveline

DUBLIN | July 11, 2025 — Long-time Liveline contributor Brenda Donohue has hinted that veteran broadcaster Joe Duffy may soon be launching his own podcast, as she reflected on his recent retirement from RTÉ and shared behind-the-scenes moments from his final broadcast.

Speaking candidly about Duffy’s next steps, Donohue said, “He will [do a podcast], and I’d say he’ll write a few books as well.” The Co. Kildare native, who produced Duffy’s farewell Liveline episode on June 27, revealed that the beloved presenter is currently focused on writing personal thank-you notes to individuals whose stories resonated deeply with him but who weren’t featured during his final broadcast.

“Joe wants a list of people I brought on the show,” she explained. “He’s writing cards, notes—just to say thank you. It’s so typical of him. He really cares.”

Among those whose stories stood out were Grainne Madden, whose daughters both have cystic fibrosis and urgently needed life-changing medication; a shopkeeper from Clones who championed the now-legendary “Fiver Friday” campaign; and Michael O’Sullivan, a carer who made headlines after marrying his elderly friend Matt Murphy in a bid to resolve an inheritance issue—a story that sparked national conversation.

Donohue, a veteran reporter with RTÉ for over 30 years, also confirmed her intention to formally express interest in taking over the Liveline presenter’s chair, a role left vacant after Duffy’s retirement following 37 years at the helm.

“Am I going to put in an expression of interest like half the country? Yes, I am,” she said. “I’ve spent my life talking to people—hearing their ups and downs. That’s what I love.”

She acknowledged, however, that the role comes with its challenges. “It’s a tough show. There’s a great team behind it, and they work incredibly hard. I know how demanding it can be,” she said. “But I genuinely care about people, and they trust me. Even on walks, strangers stop and tell me about their lives. It just happens naturally.”

While Donohue says she hasn’t actively campaigned for the job, she believes her strengths lie in connecting with people and giving them space to be heard. “I haven’t gone banging on doors, but they know what I can do,” she added. “I haven’t heard my name mentioned yet—but I’ll still let them know I’m interested.”

As speculation continues over who will step into one of Ireland’s most iconic radio roles, Donohue remains both hopeful and grounded. “I love a good chat. I love people. But it’s a hard gig. A really hard gig.”