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Extra.ie
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
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.'
Extra.ie
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Dr Tony Holohan days away from marrying Ciara Cronin
The countdown is on for former Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan has he revealed he was just one week away from marrying his partner, Ciara Cronin. The couple have been dating since 2023, with Dr Holohan revealing his new romance two and a half years after the death of his wife, Emer. Emer, who Tony met when he was just 19 years old, died from cancer during the pandemic. The countdown is on for former Chief Medical Officer has he revealed he was just one week away from marrying his partner, Ciara Cronin. Pic: Justin Farrelly Taking to Instagram on Sunday, the father-of-two 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.' Dr Holohan revealed his new relationship when he spoke to Joe Duffy on an episode of The Meaning of Life which aired in 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.' 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.
Extra.ie
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Inside Liveline presenter Joe Duffy's family life and career
On June 27, Joe Duffy will hang up the mic after 27 years as host of Liveline, and 37 years with RTÉ. The veteran broadcaster has been listening to how 'it's a disgraaaace Joe' for decades, from problems ranging from the mundane to the incredibly serious. His final show will air on June 27. But while most of us know him as the man to talk to on 0818 715 815, there's more to Joe than some would know. Joe Duffy announced his retirement on Thursday, with his final broadcast to take place on June 27. Pic: Mary Browne via RTÉ Raised in Ballyfermot, Joe became one of the first people from his area to attend Trinity College. He became heavily involved in the political life at Trinity, eventually ascending to the Presidency of the Union of Students in Ireland (USI). He was heavily involved in protests by the union highlighting access to education, and incredibly, spent two weeks in Mountjoy as a result. Yep, Joe did time in the Joy. After cutting his teeth as a producer and reporter on the Gay Byrne Show, Joe presented Liveline for over two and a half decades (the beard kinda suits him, doesn't it?) Pic: RTÉ Joe joined the national broadcaster as a radio producer, becoming more prominent as a reporter on The Gay Byrne Show in the 1990s — winning a Jacob's Award in 1992. From there, he presented other programmes such as Soundbyte before he took over as host of Liveline in 1998. In 2013, he was inducted into the PPI Hall of Fame and won various IMRO Awards, and has also hosted various television programmes — including Liveline Callback and The Meaning of Life, which he took over from Gay Byrne. Joe and his wife June, welcomed triplets Ronan, Sean and Ellen into the world in 1995. Pic: Collins While attending Trinity College, Joe met June Meehan — with the couple marrying and going on to have triplets in 1995. Yep. Joe said that he didn't realise they were having such an amount of children until a few weeks before their births, telling RSVP: 'I had three children at the same time back in 1995, I had three children, about 15 different theories about parenting. 'I was a qualified family therapist and social worker, that is what I did in university. [But] you make it up as you go along, you can't play god, and you make it up as you go along. You also realise that even though they were completely disinterested at the time, they remember the places you brought them and the stories you told them over the years.' It will be the end of an era this June when Joe presents his final episode of Liveline. Pic: RTE On Thursday, May 8, Joe announced that he was leaving Liveline, with his final show to air on June 27. 'After 37 wonderful years here in RTÉ, and 27 years presenting Liveline, it has been an incredible honour and privilege to be part of a programme that relied entirely on trust: the trust of our listeners,' Joe said. 'People felt they could pick up the phone, ring Liveline, and share their lives, problems, stories sad, bad, sometimes mad and funny, their struggles, and their victories. I never took that for granted, not for a single minute. 'RTÉ has been a great place to work. Public service has always been at its heart. And now, after many happy years, I've decided the time has come to move on. I would like to thank you the listener for tuning in each and every day, it has been an honour to sit in this seat and hear your stories.' Kevin Bakhurst, RTÉ Director General, paid tribute to Joe following his announcement, saying 'Whether breaking stories like the first powerful moments of the 9-11 attacks in the US, or helping the nation navigate the often heart-breaking challenges of a global pandemic, Joe Duffy's Liveline doesn't just have its fingers on the pulse, it is the pulse of the nation. 'Joe navigated controversies, unearthed scandals, exposed scams, fought misinformation and shone a light on topics long ignored, from historical abuse to the menopause and healthcare reform. Joe was always the guide, never the story. His journalistic insights were perfectly in balance with his human instincts, and Liveline under Joe became both a sanctuary for those seeking justice, and a public square of which Joe was in full control.'
Irish Daily Mirror
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Huge name emerges as possible replacement for Joe Duffy on RTE's Liveline
EX-2FM star Jennifer Zamparelli could be considered by RTE bosses to replace Joe Duffy when he steps down from Liveline. Joe Duffy announced on Thursday he would be hanging up his mic after 37 years at RTE. His last Liveline show will be on Friday June 27. But a source told us that bosses could look beyond presenters Katie Hannon, Philip Boucher Hayes and Colm Ó Mongáin, who fill in for Joe when he is on annual leave or busy filming episodes of The Meaning of Life. Newstalk's Andrea Gilligan and Jennifer could be touted as possible replacements as bosses look to protect the show's legacy, which was previously hosted by the late Marian Finucane who was the show's first presenter in 1985. An insider told us: 'The big thing about Liveline is that it is like the Late Late Show of radio. You just want to protect it and keep its legacy. 'Who would mind the legacy but also move it on? I'm sure when Joe was announced, people thought 'what?' 'Andrea Gilligan kind of does the Newstalk version of Liveline and Jen did a similar programme on 2FM where people phone in and tell their stories and give their views on things. 'Liveline is about the listeners. The fact that you can have so many people stand in for Joe and still do a really good show means that it is about the audience, the callers. There are no definites yet though.' Jennifer Zamparelli previously told us she would be 'honoured' if she was the next host of Liveline – but admitted she'd had 'difficult shoes to fill'. She told us at the time: 'Will I go back to radio at some stage? Who knows. It would have to be Liveline,' she said laughing. 'Talk to Jen – it's easy. 'It would be very difficult shoes to fill and I love Joe. To be honest, Joe is one of the most supportive people in the business. He is so lovely and so supportive from the beginning. And he has always been so lovely to me. He is a real gentleman. 'It would be an honour to fill his shoes if that chance ever came around but I'm not there now but I'm just enjoying growing tomatoes.' RTE will be running a 'process' over the next few months for Joe's replacement. The new presenter will be announced in August. But according to Ladbrokes, no stranger to conducting interesting interviews, comedian Tommy Tiernan is at 4/1 in the betting. Also in the running are TV show hosts Maura Derrane (5/1) and Rose of Tralee icon Daithí O'Sé (6/1). Westlife's Nicky Byrne recently released his own podcast, and fans believe it could have all been in preparation to take the Liveline gong. He sits at 7/1 in the betting. Documentary maker Lucy Kennedy could be making the move over to national airwaves at 8/1 and fashion designer and presenter Brendan Courtney could be swapping the TV camera for a microphone (9/1). And fan favourite Miriam O'Callaghan is rumoured to be eyeing up the role at 9/1 and fellow broadcaster Claire Byrne is at 10/1.
Dublin Live
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Dublin Live
Joe Duffy announces retirement from RTE after 37 years
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Joe Duffy has announced he will retire from RTE after 37 years. The Liveline presenter closed the show today with the announcement. He will present his final episode of Liveline on Friday, June 27. The Ballyfermot man has been at the helm of Liveline for the majority of his career, reaching 27 years of listening to and helping Ireland's population with their concerns and problems. Many would advise to "talk to Joe" is there was an issue that could not be resolved. Speaking on Liveline earlier today, he said: 'After 37 wonderful years here in RTÉ, and 27 years presenting Liveline, it has been an incredible honour and privilege to be part of a programme that relied entirely on trust: the trust of our listeners. People felt they could pick up the phone, ring Liveline, and share their lives, problems, stories sad, bad, sometimes mad and funny, their struggles, and their victories. "I never took that for granted, not for a single minute. RTÉ has been a great place to work. Public service has always been at its heart. And now, after many happy years, I've decided the time has come to move on. I would like to thank you the listener for tuning in each and every day, it has been an honour to sit in this seat and hear your stories.' Joe also hosted a wide range of programmes for television, including Liveline Callback and The Meaning of Life, as well as several acclaimed documentaries. Joe has been a recipient of many awards during his acclaimed career, including a Jacob's Award in 1992 for his work on The Gay Byrne Show, various IMRO Awards and he was also inducted into the PPI Hall of Fame in 2013. One of the first from his local area to go to Trinity College, Joe eventually President of the Union of Students in Ireland. He led protests on campus highlighting access to education and spending two weeks in Mountjoy Prison as a result and then went on to join RTE in 1989 after working in the probation service. Kevin Bakhurst, Director-General, RTE, said: 'Whether breaking stories like the first powerful moments of the 9-11 attacks in the US, or helping the nation navigate the often heart-breaking challenges of a global pandemic, Joe Duffy's Liveline doesn't just have its fingers on the pulse, it is the pulse of the nation. Joe Duffy is an icon of broadcasting, and will be hugely missed by his listeners, his colleagues, and all who picked up the phone to the nation's hotline. I'd like to wish Joe all our best for his retirement and extend my warmest wishes to June and to Joe's family. He might be hanging up on the Liveline, but our loss is surely his family's most welcome gain.' Joe Duffy will be Patrick's Kielty's special guest on tomorrow night's The Late Late Show , marking his 37 years in broadcasting. RTE will run a process over the coming months to appoint Joe's successor with an announcement expected in the autumn. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
