Inside Dr Tony Holohan's 'second chance' at love with Ciara Cronin
Dr Tony Holohan and partner Ciara Cronin are headed for the chapel in the next few days, but what do we know about the former Chief Medical Officer's 'second chance' at love?
Dr Holohan and yoga teacher Ciara Cronin have been together since 2023, some two and a half years following the passing of his wife, Emer Feely.
As the pair prepare to head down the aisle, here's everything we know about Dr Holohan's 'second chance' at love. Ciara Cronin and Tony Holohan as seen on The Meaning of Life. Pic: RTÉ
Both Dr Holohan and Ms Cronin were previously married, with the former CMO's first wife, Emer, passing away from multiple myeloma, a form of cancer, in February 2021.
The pair met when they were both in medical school, with Tony just 19 years old at the time. Emer went on to become a specialist in public health medicine.
The couple had two children together, Clodagh and Ronan.
Ciara had also been married before, meeting her ex-husband, Michael Ryan, when he attended one of her yoga classes.
For years, they ran the Yoga Room in Ballsbridge together. Opening up about the relationship in 2013, Ciara told the Irish Independent: 'We see a lot of each other on a daily basis but have a flexible schedule, so we can share childcare and spend more time together with Soilse [Michael's son], which is really important.
'But flexibility at work also means that it spills over into our home, and we often have to really try to create clear boundaries in order to give our relationship and family time more attention and space.'
She added: 'So, no talking shop at the dinner table or late at night — of course, yoga is a way of life and it is important to us both to work on staying mindful and compassionate with each other.'
Dr Holohan and Ms Cronin have been dating for two years now, with the happy couple now set for the aisle in the next few days.
Dr Holohan first revealed his new relationship when he spoke to Joe Duffy on an episode of The Meaning of Life, which aired on RTÉ 1 in October 2023.
'I have met somebody new,' he revealed, 'I have a new partner for the last number of months in my life, which is wonderful.' Dr Tony Holohan and Ciara Cronin at the St James's Hospital Foundation Gala Ball. Pic: Justin Farrelly
Asked if he was nervous about the new relationship, he responded: 'Nervous isn't quite the word, but it was a significant thing to find the basis for moving on and Ciara, Ciara Cronin is her name, has made that easier and it has been lovely, very enjoyable and we have had enjoyable new times together.'
He added that meeting another family for just the second time in his life was 'kind of strange and lovely all at the same time.'
Fortunately, it was smooth sailing with Dr Holohan confirming that Ciara had been 'very well accepted' into his immediate family as well as the wider family.
It comes as Dr Holohan shared a selfie alongside Ciara at Dun Laoghaire as he revealed they were just days away from their nuptials.
'One week to go to our big day — I'm so happy that Ciara and I will spend the rest of our lives together,' the author wrote.
Friends and followers took to the comments, with one writing: 'Huge congratulations,' and another adding: 'Wishing you both every happiness you both deserve this.'
A third commented: 'Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness together. Congratulations Dr Holohan and your new bride Ciara.'
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