Mary McAleese lauds Ryan Tubridy as she recalls her own 'dark days' within RTÉ
The former Late Late Show presenter and radio broadcaster departed the public service channel in 2023 amid a huge payments scandal.
Since then, the Dubliner has relocated to the UK where he broadcasts his own mid-morning show with Virgin Radio UK; launched his own book-inspired podcast, and most recently got engaged to his partner, Clare. The Dubliner has relocated to the UK where he broadcasts his own mid-morning show with Virgin Radio UK; launched his own book-inspired podcast, and most recently got engaged to his partner, Clare. Pic: Ryan Tubridy
Speaking on the season finale of the third season of The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy, the presenter was praised for picking himself up following the RTÉ scandal, with former President Mary McAleese relating that she 'had tough days there too.'
Kicking off the show, Mary said: 'It's good to see you — but it's particularly good to see you at this wonderful stage of your life. We hear great news about an engagement and I wish you so much happiness because God knows you deserve it!
'I remember back to the dark days, and I remember writing to you in those dark days giving you one piece of advice. It was, 'There is life after RTÉ. I should know.'' Mary McAleese has admitted that she had 'dark days' within RTÉ in her early career as she revealed the words of wisdom she shared to Ryan Tubridy during his departure from the state broadcaster. Pic: The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy/ Instagram
Ryan responded that the 73-year-old 'should know' having spent some time as an RTÉ employee back in the day.
'I had tough days there too,' Mary confirmed, 'Well, different but dark enough days. Days that made me decide, 'I just can't stay there anymore.' So, I know how the dark days are as you move into a new chapter, the shape of which you haven't shaped yourself, and you just don't know.
'Well, with your talent, we always knew that the shape ahead would be good and it is.'
The former President added that she was 'so pleased' for Ryan in the next chapter of his life.
Mary joined RTÉ as a journalist and presenter in 1979, departing the broadcaster in 1985.
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