Former Highland Radio broadcaster Shaun Doherty has been made the patron of the Donegal Hospice.
The offer was made to the chat show host as he left the station today after more than 25 years at the helm of his own show.
Chairman of the Donegal Hospice, Dr Jim McDaid, made Shaun the offer.
Having lost his mother and sister to cancer, Shaun said he would be delighted to accept the offer.
His huge contribution to Donegal life was recognised today when past guests and listeners paid tributes to the broadcaster.
Members of the broadcaster’s family traveled from England for the show.
Among those who took time out to pay tribute to Doherty were Daniel O’Donnell and his wife Majella, former chairman of Granada Television Sir Gerry Robinson, singer Enya, singer Phil Coulter, former soccer star Packie Bonner as well as comedian and star of Mrs Brown’s Boys Danny ‘Buster’ O’Carroll.
Doherty joked that he was shocked that Danny was offering him a part in Mrs Brown’s Boys now that actor Rory Cowan has left the show.
A special message was played from RTE legend Gay Byrne who wished Shaun health and contentment in his new career plans.
The last edition of the show was broadcast live on Facebook with Doherty becoming visibly emotional at times.
The broadcaster hasn’t revealed exactly what his plans are.
Rumours abound of an offer from Newstalk while those close to him say he plans to take some time off and do some charity work.
Owner of Highland Radio, Gerry Rabbit, presented Shaun with a sculpture as a token of appreciation from the board of the station.
Signing off, Mr Doherty said Highland Radio was “a very big ship that is dropping me off at this port.”
He thanked all his listeners and said he was sincerely apologetic if he had caused hurt to anyone over his years.
“To anybody who was ever hurt by the show – it was never personal. Sometimes things are said that should not have been said because it is live radio and I apologise for that. To our listeners who have supported me all these years, I simply say thank you,” he said.
