Rising RTÉ star quits to spend time with family
ONE of the rising stars of RTÉ is leaving the broad- caster to spend more time with his family.
Presenter on 2fm Paddy McKenna co-hosted his final broadcast yesterday after announcing on Twitter that he ‘can’t do it all’ having worked a seven-day week since January.
McKenna, who also works as editor of men’s website Joe.ie, said that while he left with a ‘heavy heart’, he was now looking forward to spending weekends with his family.
In a statement on his Twitter account, McKenna said: ‘After five brilliant years co-hosting Weekenders with Ruth Scott, I’ve taken the decision to leave the show. This weekend will be my last. I do so with a heavy heart.’
He said: ‘I get paid to have fun “working” along- side one of my best mates. That’s a dream job. Last December my wife and I welcomed our son Michael into our world. He’s the best thing that ever happened to us.
‘Last January I took on the position of editor of Joe.ie, Monday-Friday. It has been an exciting and demanding role and I’ve enjoyed doing both.
‘Thing is, I’ve given it my best shot but I can’t do it all. You guys are awesome but Michael needs me more. You can feed yourselves now and most of you can use the toilet. He’s ready to take his first steps any day now, it’s all very exciting and I don’t want to miss it.’
Dan Healy, head of RTÉ 2fm, said: ‘Paddy has brought the same drive, imagination and energy to Joe.ie that he brought to 2fm. However over the past number of months he has been working seven days a week.
‘The results of his work are clearly evident both on Joe.ie and with his partnership with Ruth at the weekend on 2fm.’
He added: ‘I understand completely Paddy’s need to balance things, particularly when you have a young family and so it is our loss that Paddy will finish broadcasting today on 2fm.
‘Paddy is a very talented man and I hope that we get the opportunity to work again with him on 2fm,’ he said.
‘We thank him for all he has done for 2fm and wish him and his family all that is good.’