Val Joyce

IT was with much sadness that I heard of the passing of Val Joyce of RTÉ a few weeks ago. Val, like Larry Gogan, was one of the true gentlemen of the national broadcaster over the years. He had an association with RTÉ going back around five decades.
Like Larry, Val was a native Dubliner, and who had a lovely and warm affinity with rural Ireland. I had the privilege of meeting him on numerous occasions and sharing our love for the various genres of music.
I recall the first time I heard John Glenn from Armagh, the young singer who replaced Big Tom in The Mainliners in 1975, and his debut song, Sunnyside of The Mountain, on Val’s show on Radio Eireann, Airs and Races.
I was out on our bog in Mayo with my late father ‘scattering’ the turf when down home from the Bank of Ireland in Abbeyleix in 1975 and had a small transistor radio to keep us company. Both Big Tom and John Glenn were to become lifelong friends of mine.
However, the song I most associate with Val is that of Australian singer, Kevin Johnson. Val singlehandedly made ‘Rock ‘n Roll I Gave You The Best Years Of My Life' a huge song here in Ireland. He ‘power played' it week after week and to this day it is still one of my great favourites from over the years. Val was fair and balanced and had a lovely and genuine respect for all genres of music. He was, in every sense of the word, a true and noble gentleman. My condolences to all the Joyce family on the passing of a great Irishman.

Sincere condolences to all the Joyce family. May Val and Vera enjoy a heavenly reward. I did not know Val well but had the pleasure of meeting him a couple of times in the course of my work. He was warm, kind and encouraging. Those who knew him well have paid well-deserved tributes in these pages. Suaimhneas síoraí dó.

Belated condolences to Vals family. Greatly enjoyed his LATE DATE programme on RTE radio, which was erroneously taken off air in 2006 .Val was no music snob . If it sounded good he played it. First time I ever heard Mozarts lovely Clarinet Concerto was on his show in the 1990's, and music by the Polish composer Gorecki , I've many recordings from his programmes. Lyric fm missed out by not giving him a slot . Rest in peace Val, the angels are singing along now.

Sincere sympathy to all Val's family on his passing. So many happy memories of Val's good cheer and professionalism on radio down the years. Rest in Peace.

Sincere condolences to all of Val's family. I first met Val in 1955. Since then, I enjoyed his excellent company on many occasions and always enjoyed his broadcasts.

May Val and Vera rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy to Joyce family on the sad loss of val. Always enjoyed his Airs 'n Races on Saturday afternoons and Late Date at night. He had such a melodic laid back style and treated his listners like his own family. Always looked forward to him playing Kevin Johnson singing Rock and Roll I gave you all the best years of my life. That was the best of years of my life as well. Rest in peace Val.

We were late in hearing of Val's death, but we're thinking of you, Sally. Condolences to all the family.

I remember as a teenager serving bread for Johnston Mooney and O'Brien in the Booterstown area and being star struck whenever Val would drop over to the van on a Saturday to buy bread or a cake. He was a very gentle man and, of course. he had a voice that could melt butter. May he rest in peace

Condolences on the Loss of Val , such a lovely man . I met him through the Rose of Tralee and he often played a tune and gave me a shout out on the radio ....always from Aspects of Love . ... Loved when we met up to discuss musicals . May he rest in peace , loved but never forgotten .....thanks for all the tunes/requests over the years xx Denise 1991 Rose of Tralee xx

Deepest Sympathy To the Joyce family on the death of Val He wast a true gentleman

Deepest sympathy to Julie and all the Joyce family on the passing of Val.

I extend my condolences to Ken and all the Joyce family on the death of their father, Val. I was a regular listener to Airs and Races. May he Rest in Peace.

Just heard of Val’s death, his talent was not always recognized. He and Vera were great company and hosted many an enjoyable party. Always admired his support for Irish artists when they needed it.Ita and I wish to convey our deepest sympathy to his family R I PFrank and Ita Feely

I extend my sincere sympathy to the Joyce family and all who mourn the passing of Val.
I have very fond memories of working with Val. A great radio voice and a true gentleman.
May he rest in peace

Sincere condolences to Karen and all the Joyce family, on the death of Val. May he rest in peace.

Our deepest condolences to Val's family. May he rest in peace.

The soundtrack of my childhood on Saturday afternoons along with Leo Maguire. Simpler days. Happy memories that never fade. Those were the days my friend. Rest easy Val and well done. 🎧

So sorry to hear of the passing of the ledgenry Val. Such great memories of Saturday afternoon Airs n races, and then late date, so laid back Val could fall asleep and we would just nod off too. Rest in peace Val.

Treasured and fondesy memories of dear Val. Sincere sympathy to Ken, Sally, Alan, Karen and Julie.

My deepest condolences to Kenn and all of Val's children, grandchildren, relatives and friends following his sad passing. May he rest in peace.

I was saddened to learn of the passing of a broadcasting legend. Such a wonderful radio voice and late date was a marvellous end to the day. My sincerest condolences to all the family and know himself and Vera are very happy. He was such a wonderful supporter and in Glasnevin Musical Society we appreciated him very much.

Sincere sympathy to Vals family .May his gentle soul Rest in Peace . Fond memories of listening toLate Date with Val for many years

Kenneth, Sally and your siblings
My sincere sympathies to you, the Joyce and Morgan families.
Val was a true gentleman and such fun! I have great memories of Val and Vera having dinner in our house with Mum and Dad, Gene and Mary Martin, ex RTE, when I was much younger!! Such fun!
May Val now reunited with Vera, enjoy the party on high with other colleagues,including Larry, Gay, Kevin, Gene and Mary. Fly high with the Angel's, Val....God's speed, and rest in His eternal peace.
Susan.

Oíche mhaith Val, agus codhladh sámh.
On so many nights you guided the radio ship into the night; it was a safe haven for all on board. Rest in peace now.

Very special thoughts for all the family at this time,Val is now at peace with his beloved Vera,cherished memories of a fabulous couple,great neighbours and friends always,may the Angels guard thee always

I was so very sorry to hear about the passing of such a wonderful man. ‘Airs and Races’ suited Val so well with his love of music and horses! ‘Late Date’ consoled me through the years I was abroad studying Music and more than once Val gave my recordings a spin including those with the Rathmines and Rathgar MS. Thank you for the music, Val. Rest in peace at last.

Sincere sympathy to all the Joyce family on the sad occasion of Val’s passing. I have very many happy memories of times spent with him on family occasions when we were young and later listening to him on the radio. A much loved cousin. May he rest in peace with his beloved Vera.

To Val's family, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy. I had the pleasure of knowing Val in the wee hours of the morning on RTE Radio 1 when he presented Late Date. He was a broadcaster of immense charm and wit and a living legend in his lifetime. I have the fondest memories. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Fond memories of working with Val in RTE Radio and our late night chats. Rest in peace Val. Sincere condolences to all his family.

Sincere sympathy to all Val’s family. Lovely memories of him during my years in the Olympia Theatre.

Our deepest sympathies to the whole family on this sad news. No doubt he is happy back with Vera. May they both rest in peace. x

So sorry to hear of Val's passing. Such a lovely gentleman and great broadcaster. He will be missed. Condolences to Kenn & your siblings and extended family.

Sincere condolences to all the Joyce family.Fond memories of driving home late at night and listening to Val.There will be such a celebration as he joins Vera and his Booterstown neighbours,especially Tess.Ger

No one ever came close to replacing Val on radio. A friend into the night with his dulcet tone. Now gone to join his soul mate Vera. Rest in Peace Val. Condolences to all your family.

Sincere condolences on Val’s passing - as avid late daters we have great memories of a brilliant informative broadcaster. RIP.

My sincere condolences to the Joyce family. Many happy memories of working with this lovely man. May Val rest in peace.

Julie and Family.
Our thoughts are with you on this
very sad occasion.
May he rest in peace.
John/Bill

Fond memories of a colleague and friend. Goodnight Val, sleep well. .

Dear Sally James Sarah and extended Joyce family with sincere sympathy to you all on the sad passing of your dear dad Val, Sally you always spoke so beautiful about your dad. With love and prayers x

Thinking of you at this very sad time Sally. May your Dad rest in peace. Condolences to the extended Joyce family.

My sincere sympathy to the Joyce family on your sad loss.

Our Deepest sympathy to the Joyce family on the sad passing of Val.Thinking of you all.May he rest in peace

Condolences to the Joyce family, Sally, James and Sarah and to Alan, Julie, Karen and Kenneth.

To Sally and all the Joyce family. Sincere condolences on the death of your dear dad. May he rest in peace

Sincere sympathy to the Joyce family on the death of Val. May he Rest in Peace.

Deepest sympathy to the family of our dear friend Val. May he rest in peace

Sincere sympathy to the Joyce family on the passing Val may he rest in peace

Sincere sympathy to the Joyce family on the passing Val may he rest in peace

Sincere sympathy to Vals family and all who mourn the sad loss of his passing may his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace

My sincerest condolences to the Joyce family on the death of your beloved Dad Val. Val was such a lovely man and worked with the Dublin John Player Tops for many many years. Always lovely meeting Vera and himself at the Shows - such good company. Julie I remember you coming along to the Shows as a very young girl with your Mum & Dad. Am really sorry that I cannot attend Val’s funeral but you are in my thoughts. May Val’s gentle soul rest in peace.

To the family of Val Joyce.
It is with a tear and a smile we learn of your beloved dad’s passing. Our mum, Patricia, was a dear fan of Val on Late Date - indeed he was her lifeline on radio after our dad’s passing in 1979. He was so kind and actually met with mam in Listowel on occasion of Race week on at least one occasion. May his generous and gentle soul rest in peace as he returns to Vera.
Liz Gillen (Pat’s daughter)

RIP Val. Fond memories of Airs and Races and Late Date. Lovely radio voice. Sympathy to all the Joyce family.

So sorry to hear about Val’s passing. An era ends. He was one of a kind. Possessed of a great radio voice, his broadcasting style was highly individualistic, intimate and inclusive. And he was a delightful companion.
Sincere condolences to his family.

A great neighbour to my mother on Grotto Avenue many years ago. Lovely radio memories also. RIP Val.

Val was a favorite on the radio with my parents as they drifted off to sleep. I remember his soothing voice well. All the best from us in Wexford

To all the Joyces, thinking of you at this time x

So sorry to hear of Val's death. I worked with him for many years on Airs and Races and also for a short period on Late Date. What a warm, radio friendly voice. Noel Coughlan

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad..may Val rest in peace

Sincere Condolences to Kenneth Sally. Alan Karen Julie
&all the Joyce & Morgan Families
on the Sad passing of VAL
We had wonderful times with Val in ABBEYDORNEY
Val always stayed with us when he came for
Tralee and Listowel Races every year.
He loved Kerry and Horses so much.
and he will be Sadly Missed by
His Loving Family & Friends.
May Val’s Gentle Soul
Rest In Peace 🙏