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Legacy
Frankie Byrne is remembered as an influential force during the time of her radio show, and it has been said that ‘whole generation’ can ‘hum the signature tune to Frankie Byrne’s radio programme’. When Frankie Byrne passed away in 1993 there was an outburst of support. Gay Byrne described her as having been “A national institution who had been loved by everyone”. Frankie Byrne’s show, Dear Frankie, is often credited with being the first person to bring the  ‘agony aunt’ radio show format in Ireland. It is said that her radio show gave rise to the confessional format which in turn can be seen in the modern-day radio shows, such as the Gerry Ryan Show and Joe Duffy’s Liveline. Frankie Ryan has been credited with having “Solved the relationship problems of a nation, while suffering turmoil in her own life”.

Frankie’s talk show and life have inspired numerous pieces of literature including a stage production in 2012 by the Five Lamps Theater Company, which told the story of her ‘tragic and secretive life’ and allowed the audience to express how Frankie impacted them following the performance. She was also the subject of a book published in 1998, which compilated the advice which she gave. In 2005, RTÉ aired a documentary on Frankie Byrne, in which they explored her life following the show, and included interviews with Frankie’s family and friends, including her daughter.

Frankie Byrne is also famous for having been the first woman to set up a public relations company in Ireland, when she founded her public relations company in 1963, which worked almost exclusively in promoting Jacob’s.

Frankie’s show was to leave a lasting impact on Irish society, and has been credited with bringing issues the public that had once been refused to be talked about previously. Frankie said that after her show had ended that she was glad to see the ‘thick fog of hypocrisy lessen’, but remained disheartened that the problems still existed despite people being able to talk about them. The show has been described as being the first of its kind to ‘set people talking’ and set the groundwork for the later Gay Byrne Show.