John Irvine, a former RTÉ executive who was instrumental in setting up Teilifís Éireann, has died, aged 92.
Irvine, who died on Wednesday, was originally from Belfast. A former civil servant, he was seconded to the broadcaster in 1960 from the Department of Posts and Telegraphs, where he worked as controller of the Dublin Postal District. He joined Teilifís Éireann as administration officer and later became deputy director general.
In that post, he was responsible for drafting RTÉ position papers and represented it in discussions with politicians and church leaders. He is credited with having played a crucial role in establishing the national broadcaster's independence.
Bobby Gahan, also a former deputy director general of RTÉ, recalled Irvine as a "gentleman" and a hard worker who played a pivotal role in Teilifís Éireann's formative years. "He contributed majorly to RTÉ's development. John would have been very much one of the key people in the development of the broadcasting service. He was a man of great integrity," Mr Gahan added.
Former colleagues said Irvine also played a prominent role in the expansion of RTÉ's complex in Montrose. He had an interest in Irish culture and the arts in general, and many of the paintings that adorn the walls of the Montrose buildings were acquired or commissioned during his tenure.
Irvine is survived by his widow Cecily, children Ian, Gerard and Mary, sisters Margaret, Brenda and Blanaid, grandchildren and relatives. Funeral Mass will take place this morning at 11 o'clock at the Church of the Assumption, Booterstown, followed by burial in Glasnevin Cemetery.
