RTE abandons tradition with Grafton Street broadcast axe

A GOVERNMENT TD has slammed RTE for taking a "sad" direction over its decision to axe its Christmas Eve broadcast.

- BY CIARA O'LOUGHLIN

Last year marked 50 years of RTE broadcasting live from Grafton Street on Christmas Eve, beginning with Gay Byrne and being taken over by Joe Duffy.

It's a staple for many as the street is happily filled with people singing and interacting with the programme.

The tradition will not be continued after former Newstalk presenter Kieran Cuddihy took the Liveline slot after Mr Duffy left the station earlier this year.