Brendan Courtney looking forward to new country escape after brutal attack
TV presenter Brendan Courtney is looking forward to getting the keys to his new life down the country as he moves on from a horrific assault.
In February, the popular broadcaster bravely shared details of the attack on RTÉ's Liveline, saying he was left 'completely shaken' after the incident near his home in Dublin city centre.
But speaking to Extra.ie this weekend as he looks forward to 'a more simple life' in his new rural idyll, Courtney said he is 'doing a lot better', adding: 'It is what it is. I'm getting on with life. You can't let these things beat you.' Brendan Courtney. Pic: File
The Dubliner revealed that builders are now putting the finishing touches on his new Wicklow home.
'I'm just at the snag list stage now, so nearly ready to move bag and baggage,' he said.
Courtney's move from the capital to the Garden County will be life-changing, and the fashion designer and former Off The Rails host insists he won't be bringing his whole caboodle of clothing collections with him. Brendan Courtney. Pic: Instagram
'No, not so many bags. I'm streamlining. I'm moving to the countryside for a more simple life,' he stressed.
The presenter said he is just about to put his city-centre penthouse pad up for sale.
'I'm just packing everything up, and there will be a few bits and bobs to be done. Then I'll be putting it on the market,' he told Extra.ie. Brendan Courtney. Pic: Brian McEvoy
But while he is looking forward to starting afresh in Wicklow, Courtney said leaving his native Dublin will be a bittersweet farewell.
'Don't get me wrong, I had a great time in town. It's just time to move on,' he said. 'But sure I'm only down the road, and I'm back up for work in RTÉ.'
Speaking of moving on, Courtney is looking forward to returning to our television screens for the latest series of Keys To My Life.
'I have [TV presenter and broadcaster] Gloria Hunniford this season. I just filmed with her. She is 85 and she still works on Loose Women and other types of shows. She is such an impressive woman.'
Courtney is among those rumoured to be in the frame to take over as Liveline host after Joe Duffy's announcement last week that he is stepping away from the live mic next month.
He said that, while he is 'still filling in on various [RTÉ] shows' and that 'I really, really do love radio', he has not put 'my name forward' as a potential candidate to replace Duffy.
But recalling an incident over the past week, he added: 'I was in traffic the other day and there was a group of women in the car beside me, and they rolled down the window and said: 'You're our favourite to take over from Joe – we think you'd be deadly at the job.' See, that's what I love about my city, and that's the type of thing I'll miss,' he laughed.
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