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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Mark Donlon

Inside Marty Morrissey's personal life - RTE star's long-term partner and heartbreak over mother's tragedy

RTÉ's Marty Morrisey appearead on the Late Late Show on Friday night as he sat down to talk with Ryan Tubridy on a number of topics.

But who is Marty Morrissey? Here, we take a look inside the family life of the veteran RTÉ broadcaster with his long-term girlfriend Liz Kidney.

Morrissey was born in Mallow, County Cork - the home of his mother - but was then raised in the Bronx, New York where both of his parents worked.

Then, at the age of 10, the family relocated to Ireland and to his father's native home of Clare.

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Morrissey originally studied medicine for three years before then switching direction and gaining qualifications as a primary school teacher.

After a foray into the world of broadcasting and involvement in local radio, Morrissey then moved to RTÉ in 1994.

He has since done it all in the RTÉ Sports Department and as far as GAA is concerned, he is quite versatile as he has worked as a presenter, reporter and commentator at different times down through the years.

Marty's partner

He met his long-term girlfriend Liz Kidney in 1995 when she was working for Cork City Council.

The couple have always kept their relationship private and out of the spotlight.

In a recent interview, Morrissey gave some insight into the pair's relationship and described his partner Liz.

He said: "She doesn’t complain.

"She is a very considerate, kind and genuine woman.

"She has a heart of gold."

And he pointed out that they both felt keeping the relationship private was the best idea.

He said: "I thought she was a very nice girl, and she is still a very nice girl.

"I am a private person and so is she.

"We have always kept something to ourselves and that to us is important."

Mother Peggy's tragic death

The RTÉ star tragically lost his mother Peggy in December of last year after she was killed in a car crash.

Speaking on Christmas Eve of last year, Morrissey paid tribute to those who had supported him in his grief after his mother's death.

He said: "The last few weeks have been the most difficult in my life, as I lost my beautiful mom so heartbreakingly.

"But my grief has been comforted by your wonderful love and support.

"It's a particularly hard time for a lot of people, especially this year more than most.

"Life is precious."

And speaking at her funeral, Morrissey had a heartfelt message for his mother as he spoke from the altar.

He said: "We were a great team, the most formidable mother and son team in the world.

“I’ve got to let you go now mam, go to dad and tell him I love him too.

“You lived life to the full, there is no doubt Peggy Morrissey you did it your way."

READ MORE: Dara O'Briain's nod to 'legendary' Irish institution as he prepares for RTE Late Late appearance

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