06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness focused my mind', says RTE star as she retires after 38 years
RTE star Cathy Halloran has opened up on her "life threatening illness" as she retired from the national station.
The Mid West Correspondent has worked with
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Cathy Halloran has retired from RTE
Credit: X/@HalloranCathy
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Cathy has opened up on her cancer diagnosis
Credit: X/@HalloranCathy
She first began her career in the 1980s when she reported for The Farmer Magazine before moving to the Connacht Tribune in
Cathy later joined RTE News in October 1987 as a reporter on
The 64-year-old
"To the 000's I met and interviewed been a privilege."
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Cathy has now opened up on her devastating illness as she was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2024, just six month after her partner Nicky's cancer diagnosis.
Thankfully, Cathy and Nicky have been given the all-clear and are now in remission.
Speaking about her health, Cathy told RTE Guide: "If you are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, it focuses the mind.
"I feel good now. I don't feel 64, more like early 50s. And apart from the cancer diagnosis, I've been healthy.
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"Time is the most precious thing and with my leaving of RTE, I'm no longer tied to the tyranny of time, deadline after deadline. Now it's time to set my own deadlines."
The news star found love later on in life as she met her partner at 42 and welcomed their child, John Michael, at age 43.
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Cathy said her "biggest challenge" was what to tell John about her cancer diagnosis as he had started college in 2023 and was dealing with his dad Nicky's diagnosis as well.
She explained: "I decided to wait until I knew more: I didn't want to burst his bubble. But he was wondering why I had been up and down to Cork. I eventually told him then about the cancer diagnosis and the visits to BreastCheck.
"He just asked me, 'Mum, will you get better?' And I said, 'Absolutely'. He didn't ask me any more questions."
FAN SUPPORT
Cathy's friends and fans were all sad to see her leave RTE and made sure to send their support.
Sports commentator
The Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, wrote: "
Cathy, unbelievable career and contribution to reporting. Enjoy the break.
"
We hope you'll not quite be hanging up the boots - only the RTE ones. Limerick thanks you for all you've done over the years.
"
Patricia commented: "Enjoy your new deadlines, have a fantastic retirement, it's well deserved and keep well."
Teresa remarked: "Going out on such a high. You'll be sorely missed Cathy but this is your time in the sun."
