joeSoap
16/02/2005, 9:43 AM
Dunphy says sorry to bishop over gossip beauty's radio allegation
Eamon Dunphy apologised to Bishop Comiskey for Amanda Brunker's on-air remarks.
EAMON DUNPHY yesterday apologised to Bishop Brendan Comiskey for comments made about the cleric on his morning radio show.
The apology came after former Miss Ireland Amanda Brunker made serious unfounded allegations on Dunphy's Newstalk 106 breakfast show.
The controversial broadcaster had tried to stop Ms Brunker from making the claims on last Friday morning's programme.
Ms Brunker (34), the show's gossip columnist, could not be contacted to clarify whether she too was going to apologise to Bishop Comiskey.
Before making the allegations, Brunker had saidlive: "Maybe I shouldn't say this . . . " but she continued anyway despite Dunphy's protestations.
After the comments, which were reported to be potentially libelous, Dunphy immediately told listeners: "We didn't mean it. We dissociate ourselves from that remark."
Later he said: "Oh my God. The corporation is going down the drain. Amanda, thank you very much."
He then added: "Her career is over, we'll end up busking on Grafton Street."
But an effort to settle the matter took the form of a live formal apology on air, after a series of discussions between legal representatives from both sides.
A spokesperson for Newstalk said two separate apologies were made.
The former Bishop of Ferns, Dr Comiskey (69), who resigned three years ago over his handling of clerical sex abuse in his diocese, is thought to be back in Ireland after spending time in the US.
He had moved to New York to take a course in drug and alcohol counselling after his retirement.
Eamon Dunphy apologised to Bishop Comiskey for Amanda Brunker's on-air remarks.
EAMON DUNPHY yesterday apologised to Bishop Brendan Comiskey for comments made about the cleric on his morning radio show.
The apology came after former Miss Ireland Amanda Brunker made serious unfounded allegations on Dunphy's Newstalk 106 breakfast show.
The controversial broadcaster had tried to stop Ms Brunker from making the claims on last Friday morning's programme.
Ms Brunker (34), the show's gossip columnist, could not be contacted to clarify whether she too was going to apologise to Bishop Comiskey.
Before making the allegations, Brunker had saidlive: "Maybe I shouldn't say this . . . " but she continued anyway despite Dunphy's protestations.
After the comments, which were reported to be potentially libelous, Dunphy immediately told listeners: "We didn't mean it. We dissociate ourselves from that remark."
Later he said: "Oh my God. The corporation is going down the drain. Amanda, thank you very much."
He then added: "Her career is over, we'll end up busking on Grafton Street."
But an effort to settle the matter took the form of a live formal apology on air, after a series of discussions between legal representatives from both sides.
A spokesperson for Newstalk said two separate apologies were made.
The former Bishop of Ferns, Dr Comiskey (69), who resigned three years ago over his handling of clerical sex abuse in his diocese, is thought to be back in Ireland after spending time in the US.
He had moved to New York to take a course in drug and alcohol counselling after his retirement.