He has served on the RoI committee since the centre launched in 1996 and took over from founding Chair Al Lennon in 2000. “Al was the inspiration for the RoI centre and it’s been a great honour to continue his work,” said Byrne.

He is proud that the centre’s Student Television Awards have grown over the past decade: “I’ve been delighted that jury chair Marie Penston and I have been able to build up the awards. For a small centre, we have enjoyed great success at the national awards in London.”

Byrne – who worked at RTÉ for 40 years – joined Ireland’s public broadcaster in 1963, becoming, first, head of television sound, and then head of planning and control. One of his highlights was co-ordinating the audio coverage of RTÉ’s seven Eurovision Song Contests.

RTS Scotland Chair Jane Muirhead and RTS East’s Nikki O’Donnell have also stepped down recently.

“I would like to extend my thanks and those of the RTS Board of Trustees to Jane, Nikki and Charles. Our sterling work in the nations and regions is critically dependent on the leadership of our centre chairs – and the Society owes them a big debt of thanks. I am delighted that Jane, Charles and Nikki will remain involved with the RTS,” said RTS CEO Theresa Wise.

The three new centre chairs are Tony Campbell (East), April Chamberlain (Scotland) and Agnes Cogan (RoI).