RTÉ radio presenter steps down over cancer

RTÉ RADIO Morning Irelandpresenter Áine Lawlor is to step down from the programme to receive treatment for cancer.

Lawlor is taking time out after 16 years as a presenter, having been diagnosed recently. She made the announcement at the end of yesterday’s programme.

“That’s all from me for a while as I’m taking a break for medical treatment. Thanks to all of you who have listened over the past 16 years,” she told listeners.

Lawlor was diagnosed recently with the unspecified cancer. A statement from RTÉ stated she was “positive about the outcome”.

She will continue to work on her One to Oneseries of interviews on RTÉ television and also on a documentary on the Irish presidency.

RTÉ will continue to operate its rota of Morning Irelandpresenters, who will fill in for her in her absence.

She joined RTÉ’s flagship radio programme in 1995 and is one of its longest-serving presenters. A mother-of-four, she is best known outside RTÉ as a keen gardener.

Recently, she cited a programme dedicated to the Lost Livesbook, which chronicles those who died in the Troubles, as one of the highlights of her time on the show.

Another highlight was her recent interview with presidential candidate David Norris when she told him: “You are not running for election in ancient Greece. You are running for election in modern Ireland.”