*Marty Morrissey. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
RTÉ broadcaster Marty Morrissey made light of his recent Renault controversy when attending the official opening of Sixmilebridge GAA club’s Arena on Friday night.
Amid the height of a payments scandal within RTÉ this summer, Quilty’s Marty in July revealed himself to be the staff member with the State broadcaster that had the loan of a Renault car for five years, without approval from his employer. The car was returned a day prior to a second sitting of the Oireachtas Media Committee with senior officials in RTÉ.
This revelation came to light following questioning by Senator Timmy Dooley (FF). The Mountshannon native has since said he wasn’t referring to Morrisssey with his queries.
Senator Dooley was among the politicians present in Sixmilebridge on Friday evening along with Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF), Mayor of Clare, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG), Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF), Cllr John Crowe (FG), Cllr Pat McMahon (FF), Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) and Cllr Michael Begley (IND).
Dooley’s presence was noted by the broadcaster who told the crowd, “I see many friends here tonight”.
Marty added, “if anyone is concerned how I got down here, I see my good friend Timmy Dooley here, Timmy if you’re asking, I walked”.
RTÉ’s Marty Morrissey is the special guest as Sixmilebridge GAA club open their Arena this Friday evening.
🚙Marty references Renault controversy.
“If anyone is concerned how I got down here, I see my good friend Timmy Dooley here, Timmy if you’re asking, I walked”.
— Páraic McMahon (@thepmanofficial) October 27, 2023
When addressing the controversy via a statement in July, Marty outlined that he was asked to MC a number of events for Renault in 2017, interviewing GAA personalities, which he received permission for from RTÉ and he “did not seek a fee for this engagement”. He added, “as I hadn’t sought a fee, Renault offered me the use of a car”.
