The late Joe Mulholland: 'A proud son of Donegal who never lost his sense of place'

The late Joe Mulholland has been described as a man who “helped shape current affairs broadcasting in Ireland for many yearst.”

The former managing director of RTÉ Television and the founder of the MacGill Summer School, Joe passed away in Dublin at the age of 85 following a long illness.

Joe was the eldest of a family of five children and was born in Stranorlar in 1940 and brought up in Ballybofey.

He had a distinguished career at Ireland’s national broadcaster, shaping current affairs coverage and later leading the television division before his retirement in 2000.

In 1980, he became editor of current affairs and was instrumental in revitalising RTÉ’s flagship programme Today Tonight, a show that became known for its in-depth reporting and robust political scrutiny. He later served as director of news and ultimately as managing director of television.

Beyond his work at RTÉ, Mulholland was deeply committed to fostering public debate and cultural engagement. In 1981 he established the MacGill Summer School in Glenties, named in honour of the writer Patrick MacGill.

The annual event has become a forum for discussions on politics, arts and society, attracting politicians, academics and commentators from across Ireland and beyond. Mulholland remained closely involved with the school until stepping down as director in 2024 at the age of 83.

He is survived by his three children. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.

Tániste Simon Harris posted: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Joe Mulholland. He was a distinguished figure in Irish media and civic life. Joe’s career at RTÉ, including his leadership as Managing Director of RTÉ Television, helped shape current affairs broadcasting in Ireland for many years and left an enduring mark on the national broadcaster.

“I had the honour of speaking at the MacGill Summer School in summer 2024 as Taoiseach, and indeed any time I attended the event I saw first hand his commitment to fostering thoughtful, respectful and challenging dialogue. His contribution to public discourse and to Irish cultural life will be remembered. I extend my sincere condolences to Joe’s family, friends, and all who knew him.”

“The passing of Joe Mulholland marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the history of Irish broadcasting and intellectual life,” Patrick O'Donovan, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, said.

“A man of immense vision and uncompromising integrity, Joe was a titan of the media landscape, most notably through his transformative leadership as Managing Director of RTÉ Television. He didn't just report on the world; he sought to deepen our understanding of it.

“Nowhere was his passion for civic discourse more evident than in the MacGill Summer School. As its founder and driving force, Joe turned Glenties into a national crossroads for ideas, challenging the powerful and providing a platform for the voices that shaped modern Ireland. He possessed a rare ability to blend rigorous intellectualism with a legendary warmth and wit.

“Joe was a mentor to generations of journalists, a champion of the arts, and a proud son of Donegal who never lost his sense of place. His legacy lives on in the high standards of public service broadcasting he championed and the vibrant culture of debate he leaves behind. He was a gentleman of the old school, and his absence leaves a void in the heart of our national conversation. ​Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”