Cancer patient Gay Byrne says chemotherapy is taking its toll

GAY Byrne has spoken about his treatment for prostate cancer, saying it ‘takes its toll’.

Byrne opened up about the effects of chemo therapy as he paid a radio tribute to DJ Larry Gogan.

‘I’m not the best, I’m on the chemo course. I’m doing what I’m told and it takes its toll,’ Byrne said.

‘Today is not a great day in the cycle of it. But listen, there are thousands of people, nine million times worse than I am, and you just go through it and you do the best you can, and you follow the rules.’

The 83-year-old joined Miriam O’Callaghan on RTÉ Radio 1’s Sundays with Miriam in a show dedicated to the career of Larry, who is still working in his 80s.

Describing how he first met legendary DJ Gogan – when they played twins in a play at the Olympia theatre – Byrne spoke with affection and admiration for the Dublin DJ.

‘What is amazing is that he has remained consistent on the air. The Lar Gogan you hear on the radio today is the Lar Gogan you heard 40 years ago.’

Admitting that he didn’t know what RTÉ radio would be like without The Golden Hour presenter, he said that Gogan is universally loved by everybody in the business.

‘Keep on going, Lar, that’s what I’m saying,’ he advised.

Gogan began his career as a child actor and has been broadcasting since the early 1960s.

The Just-a-Minute Quiz presenter still hosts shows on 2FM and RTÉ Gold and spoke of his love for the job.

‘I always wanted to be DJ, I never wanted to be anything else,’ he told Miriam.