Shane Ross: RTÉ is in freefall — they should send for 90-year-old Lelia Doolan

Doolan was denounced by John Charles McQuaid as ‘mad, bad and dangerous’

Lelia Doolan won an IFTA in 2012. Photo: Kyran O’Brien

Shane Ross

In the 1960s, Archbishop John Charles McQuaid denounced her as “mad, bad and dangerous”. Distinguished historian Robert Savage wrote that “some believed she would eventually become director general of RTÉ”.

Fifty-five years ago, despite being urged to stay and fight by rtmany, RTÉ’s bright, rising star walked out of a top job on principle — penniless and never to return.